By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
NKHABA – From the serene hills of Nkhaba comes a musical story that proves passion, purpose, and a bit of luck can create a sound that resonates far and wide. Meet Phiwokwakhe Mnisi, better known by his stage name, Phiwo Mnisi, a multi-instrumentalist whose music has begun to echo across Africa.
His musical journey started in the most humble way, with a harmonica gifted to him by a group of overseas volunteers. “I tried it, and it just made sense,” Mnisi remembers. That small, thoughtful gift ignited a passion within him, one that would later lead him down a path of self-discovery and musical growth. Encouraged by his mother, he set out to learn the piano, despite having neither the instrument nor the means to afford one.
The breakthrough came when Nkhaba Free Evangelical Church was in need of a keyboard player. With no formal training but a burning desire to learn, Mnisi showed up. “They handed me a keyboard and told me to learn,” he recalls. Within months, he was performing confidently during church services, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving career.
In 2021, his journey took another leap when Let’s Go to Glory Worship Centre invited him to serve as their pianist for six months. During that time, a church member gifted him a saxophone, and the connection was instant. “The sound was powerful. It drew me in completely,” he says. “When I play, I forget everything. I just feel.”
Phiwo’s music is defined by its soulful, reflective quality. He describes his sound as soft and emotive, focusing not on speed or complexity but on feeling. “I don’t chase speed or noise. My music is about feeling,” he says, a philosophy that resonates deeply with his growing fan base.
His career has taken him beyond the borders of Eswatini, with performances at the 2023 Eswatini International Trade Fair and the Jumbo Festival, leaving audiences captivated by his raw talent. His music has also taken him to South Africa and Botswana, gaining recognition across the region.
Despite a budding career, Phiwo has only begun to explore collaborations. However, sharing the stage with South African jazz legend Don Laka remains one of his most humbling experiences. “It was inspiring,” Phiwo says, reflecting on the experience.
From playing a borrowed keyboard to performing on stages across multiple countries, Phiwo Mnisi’s journey exemplifies the power of talent, purpose, and seizing opportunities. His story is just beginning, but one thing is certain: this is only the start of a much larger musical journey.
For more on Phiwo’s music and journey, follow him on Facebook at Phiwo Mnisi.
