Feli Nandi
Feli Nandi | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Felistus Winnie Chipendo |
| Also known as | Feli Nandi |
| Born | Zimbabwe |
| Origin | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Genres | Afro-soul, Afro pop |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 2021–present |
Felistus Chipendo, best known by her stage name Feli Nandi, is a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter and fashion designer. Her music is a combination of soul music containing elements from Afro-fusion. She is also the owner of the clothing line Feli Nandi Apparel, which she formed in 2021.[1]
Early life and career[edit]
She started her music career as a backing vocalist for Mbeu's Mhodzi Tribe for two years.[2] She left the band to pursue a solo career and gained popularity in 2020 after releasing the single "Mufudzi WeMombe" with Trevor Dongo.[3]
She was inspired by local traditional music artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, Chiwoniso Maraire and began writing her own songs when she was in secondary school. Her career started as a backing vocalist for Mbeu's Mhodzi Tribe for two years. During her time with Mbeu, she managed to record six singles including "Ndega Ndada", which had an accompanying music video.[4] She then left the band to pursue a solo career and gained popularity in 2020 after releasing the single "Mufudzi WeMombe" with Trevor Dongo.[3]
In 2021, she released her self-titled album 'Feli Nandi'. Her singles such as "Munhu Wangu", "Unotyei" and "Kukurumidza" gained popularity and airplay on local radio stations.[5]
In February 2022, she was nominated for outstanding newcomer and outstanding female musician at the 2022 National Arts Merit Awards.[6]
In May 2022, she released her debut album Izwi.[7] The album was nominated for best album at the 2023 Zimbabwe Music Awards.[8] That same year, she also won an award for Best Female artist at the Zimbabwe Music Awards[9] and Best alternative for her single "Ndoona Iwe" at the Star FM Music Awards.[10]
She has performed at major music events in Zimbabwe[11] and has toured the UK for the JamAfro Family Festival Show,[12] South Africa, Togo.
Other singles that she released include "Women", which she dedicated to her mother as well as covers of Mbeu's "Hazvinei" and "Ndibateiwo".[13]
Discography[edit]
- Feli Nandi (2021)
- Izwi (2022)
Awards and nominations[edit]
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | National Arts Merit Awards | Outstanding Newcomer | Nominated[6] |
| Outstanding Female Musician | Nominated | ||
| 2023 | Zimbabwe Music Awards | Best Female Musician | Won[14] |
| Best album | Nominated | ||
| Best Afropop/Afrofusion | Nominated | ||
| Star FM Music Awards | Best Female artist | Won[15] | |
| Best alternative | Won | ||
| National Arts Merit Awards | Outstanding Female Musician | Nominated[16] |
References[edit]
- ^ "NEW: Feli Nandi continues to shine". sundaymail.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS WIN: FELI NANDI". hmetro.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Feli Nandi and Trevor Dongo brew some magic". earground.com. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Designer backing vocalist's double delight". hmetro.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Zimbabwe: Feli Nandi Ready to Spark At Jazz, Soul Night Concert". allafrica.com. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Zim: 2022 NAMAs announce nominees". musicinafrica.net. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
- ^ "FELI NANDI READY TO LAUNCH FIRST ALBUM". hmetro.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Zimbabwe Music Awards 2023 - Freeman HKD, Feli Nandi and Gemma Lead Nominations". allafrica.com. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Feli Nandi reigns". bmetro.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Freeman, Leo Magozz, Feli win big at Star FM Listeners' Choice Music Awards". chronicle.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Feli Nandi invades Theatre in the Park". H-Metro. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "UK tour big breakthrough for Feli Nandi". newsday.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Feli rises from ashes to fulfil mother's wish". herald.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Zimbabwe Music Awards 2023: All the winners". musicinafrica.net. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Star FM Listener's Choice Awards 2023 winners announced". herald.co.zw. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Zim: 2023 NAMAs announce nominees". musicinafrica.net. Retrieved 5 July 2023.