Ntlokoma Masangwana Is Building a Lasting Sonic Legacy in South African Music

South African singer and songwriter Ntlokoma Masangwana is quietly shaping a powerful artistic identity rooted in culture, language, and lived experience. Blending traditional Xhosa influences with modern songwriting, the Eastern Cape born artist is carving out a unique space in the country’s evolving music landscape.

In a recent conversation with Music In Africa, Masangwana opened up about his journey into music, the realities of balancing a full time job with his creative life, and his long term vision of building a legacy that future artists can draw from.

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From Eastern Cape Roots to a Creative Calling

Raised in the Eastern Cape as the youngest of four children, Ntlokoma Masangwana discovered music through Methodist Xhosa hymns, which laid the foundation for his deep connection to melody and storytelling. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Free State, but says music has always felt like his true purpose.

“Music is the one thing I was born to do,” he explains. “Even though I still work a nine to five, I come home, record on my phone, and write whenever I can.”

His songwriting began at age twelve after witnessing peers create original music. That moment shifted his perspective from simply singing to telling his own stories through song.

Balancing a Career and a Music Path

While many artists aim to go into music full time immediately, Masangwana believes that having a career outside music has helped him stay grounded.

“Having another profession removes pressure,” he says. “Music involves waiting: studio time, releases, feedback, and payments. Mentally, I would not survive if music was my only source of stability.”

This balance has allowed him to stay patient, focused, and creatively healthy.

Influenced by Simphiwe Dana and Zahara

Masangwana credits Simphiwe Dana for teaching him patience and artistic integrity. He also draws inspiration from Zahara’s honesty, which has influenced his lyrical transparency.

“Zahara showed me how to be truthful in music. I do not want to hide behind metaphors alone. I want people to feel what I feel.”

Preserving IsiXhosa Through Song

A core part of Masangwana’s mission is cultural preservation. He blends conversational and formal Xhosa into his songwriting and is actively studying the language to deepen his lyrical expression.

“I want to archive IsiXhosa in music,” he explains. “Even if people stop reading or speaking it daily, they will still engage with it through song.”

His music uses metaphor, storytelling, and emotional realism to connect generations to language and heritage.

Advice for Emerging Artists

Ntlokoma Masangwana encourages young musicians to focus on preparation, education, and mental health.

“Opportunity dances with people who are already on the floor,” he says. “Understand contracts. Learn money. Protect your mind. This industry has vultures.”

He believes success comes from being ready long before recognition arrives.

What Comes Next

Right now, Masangwana is focused on finishing and recording his current songs before planning releases. His long term goal is not just to succeed but to leave behind a body of work that future South African artists can build on.

“I want my music to be a foundation,” he says. “Something others can stand on.”