Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa – A spontaneous moment on stage at the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex recently blossomed into one of the most heartfelt musical tributes to South African theatre royalty.
Acclaimed vocalist and storyteller Nomabotwe has officially unveiled her emotionally charged musical homage titled Siyakukhumbula – An Ode to Nomhle Nkonyeni which is a dedication to the late legendary actress, Nomhle Nkonyeni.
The journey behind the song began unexpectedly while Nomabotwe was performing at the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex recently. During the performance, she also broke into a tribute song dedicated to Winnie Mandela to the playful chagrin of Nomhle Nkoneyni.
In that moment of delight and playful irritation of the legendary actress she openly protested the impromptu tribute, sparking laughter and curiosity among those present. That eccentric and unforgettable encounter became the beginning of a profound artistic relationship that evolved over three years before Mama Nomhle’s passing.
Born out of an intimate collaborative process, Siyakukhumbula – Ode to Nomhle Nkonyeni saw Nomabotwe consulting Mama Nomhle at every stage of the song’s development. The pair shared creative sessions at Nkonyeni’s home in New Brighton after the celebrated actress had returned to settle among her people in Gqeberha.
“Sis Hlehle, as she was fondly known, had just settled back in Gqeberha and lived amongst her people in New Brighton. We had sessions at her place, took pictures and audio visuals as well. Whenever she saw me around Mendi Road in New Brighton – a vital and historically significant arterial in Gqeberha – she would proudly tell anyone within earshot that I was writing a song about her. It was a rewarding and fulfilling journey working on this project,” explained Nomabotwe.
Although Nomhle Nkonyeni sadly passed away in 2019 before hearing the completed version of the song, Nomabotwe finally fulfilled the shared dream by launching the finished tribute publicly on Nkonyeni’s birthday, 9 April 2026, transforming grief into celebration, remembrance and cultural preservation. The official music video is also available via YouTube.
Siyakukhumbula – Ode to Nomhle Nkonyeni stands not merely as a song, but as a living archive, a sonic monument preserving the memory of one of South Africa’s greatest artistic treasures whose influence left an indelible mark on generations of performers and audiences alike.
Today, Siyakukhumbula arrives as both tribute and testimony, a reminder that legends never truly depart, but continue to breathe through the songs, stories and memories they leave behind.
INFO SUPPLIED
