A Global Soul Sound Is Headed to Providence

Providence has a way of punching above its weight when it comes to live music, and this winter, it’s about to swing even higher. On February 7, FirstWorks partners with the beautifully restored Uptown Theater to bring South African vocalist Nomfusi to the stage for a one-night performance that promises equal parts joy, grit, and soul.

Nomfusi’s sound blends Township rhythms, Maskandi guitar, Afropop, gospel, and classic soul, all anchored by a voice that can stop a room mid-conversation. Often compared to a young Miriam Makeba with a hint of Tina Turner fire, she brings both global perspective and deeply personal storytelling to every performance.

“FirstWorks is thrilled to kindle a new partnership with the exquisitely restored Uptown Theater in Providence,” says Kathleen Pletcher, Founding Executive Artistic Director of FirstWorks. “Forging strong partnerships across our creative community is core to FirstWorks’ mission. Together, we welcome our audiences to experience the music of Nomfusi, a powerhouse voice of female empowerment and an important destination on our Global Journey.”

Born in 1988 under Apartheid in the township of KwaZakhele, Nomfusi’s path to the world stage was anything but easy. Raised by her mother, a domestic worker and Sangoma, she developed a love for music early, singing and dancing for hours during weekly rituals. After losing her mother and later her aunt to HIV/AIDS, Nomfusi leaned into music as both refuge and purpose.

Since launching her career in 2009, she has completed more than 30 international tours, shared stages with legends like Lionel Richie, Angélique Kidjo, and Hugh Masekela, and portrayed Miriam Makeba in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Rolling Stone South Africa once called her life story “the sort of story Hollywood is bound to snap up.”

Beyond the spotlight, Nomfusi is guided by a belief that “life is about choices” and that “one has to overcome the poverty of the mind first.” During her Providence visit, she will also connect with local students through the FirstWorks Arts Learning program, using her story and music as tools for empowerment. The concert begins at 7:30pm at the Uptown Theater. For tickets, previews, and more information, visit firstworks.org.