Nkosazana Daughter reveals how she balances fame with motherhood and defies societal pressures in the South African music scene
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
On Saturday night, February 21, Toadbury Hall transformed into a sanctuary of sound as Nkosazana Daughter graced the stage at the "Stella Artois Soirée: Lovers’ Edition".
As the crowd swayed to her captivating performance, backed by a live band, the essence of amapiano was elevated into something almost sacred, layered with tenderness and deliberate artistry.
“Wow, firstly, live band, amazing,” she shared with "IOL Lifestyle" after leaving the stage. “Obviously, I do piano, and the live band is like, obviously, for big festivals and shows like Stella, which was very nice. I had a great time. The crowd was amazing. Amazing, amazing.”
But beyond the applause, 2026 has been louder for different reasons. The award-winning vocalist, named Musician of the Year at the Feather Awards after a standout 2025, is navigating intense public commentary about her body following pregnancy and noticeable weight loss.
Her response has been direct. “It’s 2026, talk about something else,” she said recently, pushing back at critics dissecting her appearance.
For Daughter, her body is more than a subject of public fascination; it’s her instrument. As a touring artist with gruelling schedules, she prioritises wellness, mental health, and longevity over societal expectations. “People will always have opinions.”
For her, the issue isn’t the industry. It’s the noise. “I’ve realised that actually, the industry, it’s not the industry, it’s social media. Basically! In fact, people on social media have the nerve to say whatever, you know,” she said.
“They want you to be green, they want you to be red the next day."
She adds, “People always speak their mind, and if you care about what people say, I don’t think you’ll ever achieve anything. So I just… I block it out of my head.”
Motherhood has added another layer to her already multifaceted life. Since welcoming her daughter in late 2022, Daughter has found herself navigating the delicate balance between being a global star and a present parent.
“The proudest moment of my day is coming home to her. That love is overflowing, it grounds me,” she says, her voice softening.
But the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As she juggles her career ambitions and personal life, she admits that there are moments of loneliness, moments when the weight of it all feels overwhelming.
“When I’m home alone reading comments, I remind myself that what they say doesn’t matter. I take the good criticism and leave the rest,” she says.
Nkosazana Daughter on wanting to focus on her music
Image: Social Media/Instagram
For South African women who see themselves reflected in her, Daughter offers a message of strength, resilience and vulnerability, along with a glow-up.
“We need to stay in our lane and focus on our dreams. Everyone else has their journey; just do your thing,” she advises.
Daughter’s music carries a spiritual resonance that has become her signature. Whether it’s the haunting melodies of iValentine or the uplifting beats of Khetha.
When asked whether she creates for the charts, the culture, or healing, her answer is deeply introspective. “It’s a mix. My experiences, lessons, and curiosity all inform my music.
“I write to relate. Most of my writing, my music is from some of my experiences, some of the things that I am learning about,” she said. “No one knows what love is, but you want to write a love song, you want to feel love, you know? I want someone to say, ‘Oh my God.’ I want people to feel something.”
That intentional vulnerability is resonating.
Her upcoming full-length studio album promises to be her most personal work yet. Integrating live instrumentation and emotional storytelling, it reflects a shift toward vulnerable, layered performances aimed at deeper connections with her audience.
“This year is about dropping music that’s more fearless. I want it to feel like an embrace,” she shares.
Daughter’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Beginning with her 2024 collaborative gold-certified album Makhelwane with Master KG and continuing with her Musician of the Year win at the Feather Awards in 2025, she has become a force in the Amapiano genre.
As 2026 unfolds, Daughter is gearing up for a year filled with new music, visual projects, and growth. She reflects, "In 2025, I didn’t drop much, but this year, I’m coming back again and again. Singles, albums, it's all coming," she promises.
And while the noise of fame will always be there, Daughter is focused on what truly matters: her artistry, her family, and her connection to her fans.