His song titled Bekezela was one of the biggest radio hits between 2017 and 2021. Then he vanished. Bothwell "Bekezela" Nkomo returns to the music scene after a short yet felt spiritual hiatus. Opening up to ZiMoja, the singer now returns with short dreadlocks and ditched the clean fade cut. He rocks beads and African prints instead of suits and shirts.

TIME OUT

Bekezela says during his time away from the limelight, he was trying to "find himself" and rediscover his purpose in his time away. "I have been away for two years, seeking spiritual clarity," he says. "I travelled between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana basically looking for answers."

SELF-ASSURANCE

The last project he released was Amanzi featuring Ntando Bangani and that was just before COVID-19 through Muthaland. Bekezela realized that he needed to "find himself" when some things in his life were not going right and he was feeling lost. "By shying away from my spiritual gift, I was marred by confusion, depression, and anxiety," he says. "Now I'm at least clear-minded and can help those that are still stuck in that storm." Bekezela says because of the depression that came with not accepting his calling, he had to eventually surrender. "I simply paused and surrendered to the calling and a lot was revealed. I now know who I am, what I am, and my purpose."

A LEADER

In the fast-growing sangoma phenomenon, Bekezela says his definition and title are not simple to describe. "I'm not really a sangoma, but more of a spiritual teacher," he says. "Even my songwriting has always been influenced by spirituality, and now it's clearer because I am not battling with my beliefs. I hope now the process will be amplified." Bekezela says he will try and divulge more about his spirituality in his music. He is currently working on a new project that he hopes will heal him and others. "People can expect a continuum of life teachings through music that can hopefully help to alleviate social issues."