On 12 August 2023, Noluthando Ngema was announced as the first Nando’s Emerging Artist of the Year at the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA), winning a life-changing prize package worth more than R100 000.
“Winning this award has changed my career and life. This is only the beginning and I hope that, with Nando’s and Bridges For Music, we can continue to have a great relationship in order to produce music that heals, gives hope to and inspires people.” says Noluthando.
The prize goes far beyond the award itself and includes a bursary for Bridges Academy, including up-skilling, educational and training opportunities and a full year’s mentorship from South African musical legend, Msaki. The bursary will include all-expenses-paid travel experiences to Cape Town and Johannesburg, professional recording sessions at Flame Studio and Bridges Studio, a curated lineup of performance opportunities at events, including the Bridges For Music Gala Dinner, Nando’s events, TV performances and more, a year’s membership for Women In Music, and image consultation from Sofn’free worth R20 000.
“Congratulations to Noluthando!” says Kirsty Niehaus, Nando’s Marketing Manager: Creativity Portfolio. “We’re excited to see where this journey takes her. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to help her take the next step forward through BIMA. Our purpose at Nando’s is changing lives, and our partnership with BIMA speaks to the heart of what we’re about.
“We’ve been working with our music partner, Bridges For Music, since 2018, because we believe that helping to create pathways into the industry for South Africa’s emerging musicians is a way we can nurture and showcase local creativity to make a meaningful difference. Together with our loyal Nando’s guests, we’ll also be supporting the remaining four finalists in the Emerging Artists category in their journeys through funds raised by our ‘Give a little; do lot campaign’ that’s running in all our restaurants countrywide during Women’s Month.”
To support the career development of local music talent, visit your local Nando’s restaurant and remember to round up with R1 (or more) with your next order.
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