BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SITEKI— In a significant move that highlights the growing intersection between the Kingdom’s creative talent and the global digital economy, Afro-Soul and R&B powerhouse Nolwethu Nelisiwe Mkhatshwa, known professionally as Nelly Noll, has officially signed with Kopton Music.
The partnership sees the Siteki-born artist becoming the second major signing for the agency in 2026, signaling a robust expansion of her brand into the high-growth sector of music licensing and publishing.
Nelly Noll has emerged as a formidable force in the local industry since her 2023 debut, successfully navigating the transition from the MTN Bushfire Firefly Top 10 to a commercially viable solo career. Her discography, which includes the 2024 breakout singles “Deeper” and “Timbali,” as well as the critically acclaimed 2025 EP Mkhatshwa, has been praised for its blend of Eswatini cultural influences and contemporary R&B. This new venture with Kopton Music—a South Africa-based agency specialising in music licensing, publishing, supervision, and consulting—aims to leverage that unique sonic identity for opportunities in film, television, advertising, and gaming.
For Nelly Noll, the decision to align with a firm that prioritizes sync licensing is a strategic one, designed to diversify her revenue streams beyond traditional streaming and live performances. “I’m truly honored to be part of Kopton Music,” the artist shared. “Being associated with a company that focuses on sync licensing and publishing gives me confidence that my music has the potential to reach not just listeners, but also visual media platforms worldwide. It feels amazing to be part of a team that believes in my artistry and supports me in sharing my music beyond traditional boundaries.”
The synergy between the artist’s creative vision and the agency’s technical expertise is particularly evident in her goals for the upcoming year. Nelly Noll has set a clear benchmark for 2026: securing sync placements on major global networks such as Netflix. Her focus remains on producing high-quality, emotionally resonant music that fits seamlessly into cinematic storytelling. “Looking ahead, my biggest goal is to have my music placed on major screens such as Netflix, in films and television series,” she explained. “I’m focused on creating music that enhances storytelling, evokes emotion, and fits seamlessly into visual media. My aim is to secure meaningful sync placements that allow my songs to reach global audiences through film and television.”
This signing also underscores the vital role played by Kopton Music in empowering independent artists across the Southern African region. By providing a bridge to international media houses, the agency serves as a consultant and supervisor that ensures local compositions meet the rigorous standards required for film and television. For the Ntamakuphila star, this means her most vulnerable work—centered on themes of faith, hope, and resilience—now has a direct pipeline to the world’s most influential screens.
As she enters this new phase of her professional journey, Nelly Noll remains committed to growth and brand development. Her objective for 2026 is not just to release music, but to secure a lasting presence in the hearts of listeners and on the screens of viewers worldwide. “My main goal for 2026 is to secure sync placements for my music in movies or series, allowing my songs to resonate with viewers worldwide,” she stated. “Ultimately, I want to create music that is authentic, impactful, and has a lasting presence both on screens and in people’s hearts.”
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(Courtesy Pic)
