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An expressive singer with a delivery steeped in soul and gospel, Vusi Nova made his recording debut in 2013 with an updated version of "I'd Rather Go Blind," originally by Etta James. It appeared on his first full-length, Walk into Light, the same year. The success of his third album, 2016's Naninina, made him a bona fide star in his native South Africa.

Born Vusumzi Nongxa in Port Elizabeth in 1984, Nova wanted to be singer for as long as he can remember. His first album, 2013's Walk into Light, included a cover of "I'd Rather Go Blind" that became a hit, leading to local opening slots for Kem. Continuing to release periodic singles, he followed it up a year later with the full-length Did It for Love. Featuring the single "Thandiwe," his third album, the loss-themed Naninina, arrived in 2016 and achieved gold sales. He delivered another gold record, the breakup album Manyan-Nyan, in 2018. ~ Marcy Donelson