Phiwo is rewriting the Rhythm of South African Soul | SA Hip Hop Music Blog

Phiwo is rewriting the Rhythm

of South African Soul.

| SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHH MAG |

by DRG LastNumba

Image source: Instagram;

@blueswahn | #SecureTheVibeTour2025

In a musical landscape often shaped by trends, there are artists who stand out by simply being true to themselves. One such rising voice is Phiwo, a soulful singer-songwriter whose introspective storytelling, smooth vocals, and quiet confidence is steadily positioning her as one of South Africa’s most compelling R&B artists.

Born Mpumelelo Nosiphiwo Dube, Phiwo hails from Durban but now calls Pretoria home. A creative through and through, her artistry began long before the music — from drawing and sculpting to dancing and acting, she explored various forms of self-expression before choosing the mic as her instrument of truth.

A Journey Rooted in Growth

“I started with a 3-year music degree,” Phiwo shares. “Now I’m in my fifth year of making music since then. So the journey is long — but I like it.”

That journey began at AFDA, where she made the decision to take music seriously as a career path. While she had already dabbled in acting in high school, she felt there was more for her to learn through music. By her third year, she was recording music outside of school, and in 2021 she released her first single, Never Playin’ featuring Miles.

Since then, her catalogue has grown steadily and with purpose. With two solo EPs — Letters (2021) and Things We Feel (2023) — plus a collaborative EP titled NMBRS with fellow artist Adrienne Foo, Phiwo has shown her versatility across soundscapes and themes. Her music, often described as emotive and intentional, fuses alternative R&B with soul, jazz, and soft pop.

Not About Struggles — It’s Strategy

Ask Phiwo about the struggles of the industry, and she’ll stop you mid-sentence.

“‘Struggles’ is a terrible word. More people could be tapped in — but I’m handling that,” she says with a calm assertiveness that reflects both grace and quiet power.

She isn’t waiting for the industry to define her; she’s defining her own lane. That attitude shines through not only in her music, but in her sense of self — one rooted in clarity and vision.

Power, Purpose, and Representation

As a young Black woman navigating a male-dominated industry, Phiwo finds inspiration in the changing tide.

“Black women have been taking their power back,” she says. “They’re breaking records, and I get to watch that happen in real time. It keeps me motivated to do better and work harder so I too can be in those conversations.”

Representation, to Phiwo, isn’t just about visibility — it’s about creating a pathway for others. “Seeing Black women who look like me succeed reminds me that I can do anything I put my mind to,” she explains. “And I hope I’ll be that reminder for the Black creative kids coming after me.”

The Power of Collaboration

One of her most defining experiences was working with Adrienne Foo on their joint EP, NMBRS. It was her first time building a full project outside of an academic environment, and the experience helped her unlock new dimensions of her voice.

“Working with another vocalist over multiple songs showed me just how much more my voice can do,” she reflects. “I’ll always be grateful for that.”

What’s Next for Phiwo?

When asked about her favorite track, she grins: “It’s not out yet. It’s called Falling — we’ll talk about that soon though.” Until then, her fans can revisit ALL4U from Letters, which she proudly names as her second favorite.

Phiwo’s advice to up-and-coming artists is simple, yet powerful: “Don’t forget what made you start creating. All the other stuff is noise. Keep going.”

Looking ahead, she’s clear about her mission: “More music. More shows. Expect to be sick of seeing me, for real.”

And honestly? We can’t wait.

Stream Phiwo's music on all major platforms and follow her journey as she continues to build her name — and her legacy — one soulful note at a time. 🎶