Born Nothende Madumo, in the same town that has unearthed many of South Africa’s great talents such as singer KB and hip hop star HHP, Nothende, as she is well known, has become a force to be reckoned with.
In just a matter of years, the songbird has managed to make her mark as one of South Africa’s most promising artists yet.

Nothende attended preschool at the renowned Mmabana School of Arts in the North West Province, where she started learning how to play the violin. Although she has not played it since, she is still eager and ready to learn.

She later joined the school choir at Loreto Convent Queenswood in Pretoria, where she was appointed the choir leader. In the very same year, in 1996, she was chosen to take part in the Children’s Opera Workshop held at the State Theatre. This is where she performed in the musical “The Magic Flute), which was showcased to the then president of the country, Nelson Mandela, and the rest of the public on Freedom Day), 27th April. Nothende also received a gold certificate from her primary school, for her participation in music.

In 2002, Nothende entered the controversial singing contest, “Idols” and she reached the top 100 before leaving to try her luck at Popstars where she only reached the 3rd Round.

2003 saw the introduction of Nothende to the public. She recorded a song titled OOH, for the Gazlam Soundtrack (2).

The song was produced by one of South Africa’s veteran producer’s, Kaybee, who is responsible for the production of Zola’s debut hit album, MDLWEMBE.
This song received great attention and later became the reason for Nothende’s first SAMA nomination (Best Team Composition category) in early 2004.
OOH also topped many local charts, reaching #3 in the SA HOT 100 charts, which was comprised of local and international music.

She also managed to reach the number one spot in both the Metro FM and Yfm TOP 20.

In 2004, Nothende recorded another song for yet another compilation, S’GUBHU SA MAMPELA – SISTERS IN SONG. This album included hit songs from many renowned female artists such as, the late Lebo Mathosa, TK, Brenda Fassie, Gloria Bosman, and Swazi Dlamini, just to name a few…
This led to a national tour as well as a performance at The Divas Show, alongside international r’nb artist, Tamia.

Nothende was also part of a hip hop group, The Playoffs. They were approached by the US Embassy to become the ambassadors of an HIV/AIDS Campaign, LIV-LIVE. This saw them paying a visit to high schools all over the country to educate and motivate the kids about having positive minds and living positive lives.
Although the group has since parted ways, Nothende still intends to spread a message of positive thinking and living to young kids out there.

Nothende has worked with many award winning hip hop artists such as Prokid, Mr. Selwyn, Proverb, Wikid, Amu, Slikour, Morafe, Tuks, to mention a few.
She has worked as a backing vocalist for RJ Benjamin, and also features in his latest album, SWIMMING IN THE SOUL OF MUSIC.

She has done backing vocals for Lira where she performed at many stages across the country as well as in Swaziland, Namibia and recently in Fiji Islands

Nothende has recorded a song titled ‘Free’, for the government initiated CLASSIX VOL. 1…This album is a compilation featuring many young hip-hop/soul and afro-soul musicians spreading a positive word. Nothende’s song ( Free) is currently sitting at number one on Yfm’s R’nb chart.

The super talented 27 year old has recently released her debut album titled LOVELIGHT, and has managed to receive local and international airplay. With her release of her newest project LOVELIGHT – PART II, Nothende’s new international marketing team will allow her music and her beautiful voice to be enjoyed all over the world! A fresh blend of urban soul sounds infused with her trademark catchy melodies and colourful lyrics, Nothende is sure to be shining for years to come…