Captivating Jazz and Afro Soul Maestro, Kapi Gantsu, Releases “Nomatile” Album in Honor of Late Aunt.
Johannesburg, [08 March] — Born and raised in the heart of the picturesque garden route area of the Western Cape, Jazz and Afro Soul musician Kapi Gantsu has released a heartwarming album, “Nomatile,” in honor of his late aunt. The twelve-track album includes hits such as “Ekhaya,” “Ngiyavuma,” and the fan favorite “Llinkomo.”
Listen to the full album here: https://warnermusicafrica.lnk.to/Nomatile
“This album is very personal to me. It’s an ode to my late aunt, who was like a mother to me. We didn’t have much growing up, but her presence and warmth were often all that we needed – her love was felt in every corner of our home. The first song on the album, ‘Ekhaya,’ speaks about the joyous times we had sitting around the fire and listening to life stories.”
Telling stories of his upbringing, love, and relationships in his mother tongue language of isiXhosa, the now Johannesburg-based singer-songwriter found inspiration in hymns, spiritual, and diverse musical traditions that surrounded him. As a songwriter, Kapi enjoys putting together melodies that tell a beautiful love story, as evident in track four on the album titled ‘Lerato.’
“Lerato is a song that affirms a committed lover, wishing all beautiful things for their relationship and growth. It simply says, “Let’s focus on each other and build each other until the end of time.”
Beyond music, Kapi Gantsu remains committed to his spiritual beliefs, infusing his lyrics with messages of faith, hope, and unity. An activist at heart, he sheds light on societal ills, as seen in his impactful track “Ndincede.”
Today, Kapi Gantsu stands as an authentic and practical lyricist, seamlessly merging jazz, gospel, and Afro music. His dedication to preserving and celebrating his cultural heritage has made him an influential figure, both within South Africa and globally.
About Kapi Gantsu:
Growing up in a community steeped in hymns and spirituals, stemming from the Gantsu’s of Middelburg and Cradock in the Eastern Cape, Kapi Gantsu is a celebrated jazz, afro soul, and Afro-pop musician and record label owner of PIKA Records. In 1115 Ngcakani street, his grandfather’s Mkhenke household where he grew up was surrounded by zion sounds, traditional healer weekend sounds, and jazz sounds from Bra Hendry, a truck driver who traditionally hosted a jazz band in his lawn on Sunday afternoons.
Kapi Gantsu is part of an elite group of guardians preserving South African authentic sounds, jazzy rhythmic elements, and soulful lyrics. This elite legacy stems from Gibson Kente, Winston Monwabisi Mankunku Ngozi, Bra Hugh Masekela, Mbongeni Ngema, Simphiwe Dana, Thandiswa Mazwai, McCoy Mrubata, Ringo Madlingozi, Stompie Mavi, Don Laka, and many other pioneers of South African Music.
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