The smell of gammon, stuffed chicken, seafood, braai, salads and loud cheers of family and friends basking in the sun and children jumping in the pool in an all-white themed Nova Christmas is what today is all about for singer and songwriter, Vusi Nova. He is hosting his annual Christmas lunch at his Sandton home for close friends and family. "This time of the year is all about family and friends. I call everyone over, and we feast. I make sure we are together for Christmas every year and just show gratitude for the gift of life. But it's also time to work and travel for bookings." Although he is mourning the passing of his best friend and singer, Zahara, this is time for Vusi to reflet on the year that was and show gratitude for his life.

On Christmas day, he invites friends extended family, friends and artists. "Most of my people are here. I called all my boys at the beginning of December to set up the tree at my house and we ate. This is something I grew up doing at home," he says. Every year, he wishes his mom was around to enjoy Christmas lunch with him. "Every year I think of my mom this time of the year. I also wish my cousin was here. Nokuthembela died at 12 years old from diabetes. We were very close. I even recorded the song Gone Too Soon for her. So, this time just reminds me of the loved ones that I have lost."

This Christmas Vusi Nova has a lot to be merry and grateful for. He recently launched his label, Nova Sounds as an independent artist and business owner after 10 years of being with Muthaland Entertainment. "I have always wanted to go out and venture into music as a label owner. It

was a scary move to make," he says. "But I finally got the guts to do it." Through his label, he has released a five-track Christmas carol album with the artists signed on to his label, 047, Kwanda, and DJ Stu. "We each chose a Christmas carol and then the last track is a rendition of Little Drummer Boy. We put our spin into it and shot the music video," he says. He also closed off the last season on Idols SA. "We did the finale of IDOLS SA as the show came to an end. I did Clash Of The Choirs and there's just been so much that I have done."

The toughest thing about this year has been losing his close friend, Zahara who died after a short illness. "I would visit her at the hospital every day," he says. "This has been one of the toughest times of my life. I believed she would be okay and would be back bullying all of us." Vusi says he will miss her bubbly nature, "our times singing together. Bulelwa was gifted, caring, a control freak, and a real bully. She was kind and young at heart."

GRATITUDE AND 2024

He wants to enter the year 2024 with gratitude as he leaves old baggage behind. "My health took a knock in 2023. I was very ill and diagnosed with high blood pressure due to a heart condition," he says. "I was in hospital and I had to do a lifestyle audit and take care of myself. I am grateful that it was picked up in time to be able to work on my health." Next year, he wants to grow his company. "We have a proper record label set-up and the mission is to grow from there onwards. It's easy to be comfortable when you know you have a convenient support structure. But the aim is to get to the next level."