Feli Nandi: From Backup Singer to Zimbabwean Music Royalty - The Journey of a Multi-Talented Superstar"

Felistus Chipendo, known professionally as Feli Nandi, is a celebrated Zimbabwean musician, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. From her start as a backing vocalist to becoming a multi-award-winning solo artist, she has captivated audiences with her unique Afro-Fusion sound and heartfelt lyrics.

Beyond music, Feli Nandi has established herself as a savvy businesswoman and fashion icon, running her own clothing line and catering brand. This is the comprehensive story of her remarkable journey, highlighting her versatility, dedication, and influence in Zimbabwe's cultural landscape.

Early Life & Musical Beginnings

Born Felistus Chipendo in June 1992, Feli Nandi is a singer, songwriter, and Afro-Fusion musician from Zimbabwe. This rising African superstar has a passion for writing music that captures love, daily life struggles, dreams, and self-pride, whilst her sound honours the traditional sounds rooted in Zimbabwe.

Growing up in a Christian family, she developed her passion for singing in church. Though she initially pursued a degree in fashion, her life took a pivotal turn in 2017 at a wedding when musician Ashton "Mbeu" Nyahora invited her on stage to sing. This marked the beginning of her professional journey as a backing vocalist for Mbeu's acclaimed Mhodzi Tribe band.

The Rise of a Solo Star

After two and a half years with Mhodzi Tribe, Feli announced her departure in 2023. She embarked on a solo career in 2020, launching at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her unique Afro-Fusion style, blending traditional Zimbabwean sounds with contemporary influences, quickly found an audience.

"Feli Nandi makes a fusion of Afro-Soul music that speaks to the heart, inspired by real life stories. At the core of this Afro-fusion soul music is the beautiful sound of the conga drum and the mbira.”

Her sound is often layered and soulful, with powerful vocals and lyrics that explore themes of love and daily life. She draws inspiration from prominent traditional artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, and Chiwoniso Maraire.

Her debut album "Izwi" (2022) was a critical and commercial success that propelled her career, making her a household name. She has since released numerous acclaimed singles and collaborations.

She has performed at major music events in Zimbabwe and has toured internationally in the **UK, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, and Togo**. Her work has earned her multiple awards, including:

Best Female Musician (ZIMA 2023)
Best Alternative (ZIMA 2023)
Listener's Choice Award (Star FM Zimbabwe 2023)

A Multi-Talented Entrepreneur

Leveraging her degree in fashion and design, Feli launched her own clothing line, **Feli Nandi Apparels**, which has become a brand that is hard to ignore. She established a showroom in Harare's CBD and took the fashion world by storm with her range of Ankara styles.

Feli has also ventured into the culinary world with her catering brand, **KwaNandi**. She is often seen at her eatery mingling with clients or active in the kitchen, showcasing her love for food and her hands-on approach to business.

Feli Nandi has successfully proven to be a versatile character, balancing her demanding careers in music, fashion, and food while being a married mother of two boys. "It was a challenge balancing things in the first days," she told The Sunday Mail, "but with time, I have devised ways to make everything possible."