Story by Patience Nyagato
EIGHTEEN-year-old Zimbabwean gospel singer, Nelcy B, is stepping onto the continental stage after securing a major deal with South African label Wanitwa Mos Entertainment.
Her rise marks a significant breakthrough for the young artist, whose musical journey began within a family environment that nurtured her talent from an early age.
Guided by her father, Dr Tawanda, Nelcy B recorded her first song, “You Are Alpha”, laying the foundation for a career that has steadily gained momentum.
As she developed her sound, she released tracks such as “Ndaramba” and “Adonai”, which resonated widely with listeners, even before many knew the voice behind the music.
“I come from a musical family, but honestly, I did not always think I would become an artist. My dad noticed the talent in me early on and encouraged me to pursue it. At the time, I did not really understand it myself. I was just being guided. It is only later that I realised, okay, I can actually sing. So I cannot say I was fully focused on becoming an artist from the start, but the passion grew over time.
“The first song I ever recorded was “You Are Alpha” when I was just three years old. After that, I took a break and later released songs like Ndaramba and “ Adonai’. Funny enough, those songs became my breakthrough, even though I didn’t realise it at the time. They really introduced me to a wider audience. Some people even thought I was based in Nigeria because of my sound, especially mixing Shona with that style,” she said.
Her breakthrough moment came unexpectedly during a studio session involving Master KG and Dr Ngwazi, where her spontaneous contribution secured a place on a track.
“I was not even supposed to be on it, but I ended up recording a part, and it made the final cut. At first, they said they did not want a female voice after approaching me to be part of that song. But after we recorded, they liked it. Since then, I have learnt that sometimes your voice becomes your instrument in ways you do not expect,” musician Nelcy B said.
The exposure opened doors to regional collaborations, including “We Are Happy” featuring Makhadzi, as well as “Kasongo”, where she worked with Hurricane and Master KG, moves that ultimately led to her signing with Wanitwa Mos Entertainment.
“I am signed under Master KG Entertainment in South Africa. Being signed means we work like a team. They bring the instrumentals, I write and record my lyrics, and then we share and promote the music together. It’s a collaborative process, much like a record label setup,” she said.
She has also recently collaborated with Prince Chigwida on the chart-topping “Gore Rino”, as well as with Mathias Mhere, further cementing her place among a rising generation of gospel artists.
From early mentorship to continental recognition, Nelcy B’s journey reflects a blend of faith, family influence and artistic growth, with her sound now reaching audiences beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
