2025 video still: Boohle & Nia Pearl Perform SHELA (Live) | Fresh Live Sessions S2 — FRESHMEN MAGAZINE / YouTube
Boohle, born Buhlebevangeli Hlengiwe Manyathi in Vosloorus on Gauteng's East Rand, grew up singing in church, and the gospel training still anchors her sound: a controlled, hymn-like vocal set against amapiano's log drum and Afro-pop melody. She emerged in 2020 with Umbuso Wabam'nyama, a collaborative album with Josiah De Disciple, alongside her solo debut Izibongo.
Recognition came quickly — Best Amapiano Newcomer and Best Amapiano Female Vocalist at the 2021 South African Amapiano Awards, then SAMPRA Artist of the Year at the 2022 Basadi in Music Awards. Songs such as 'Ngixolele', 'Hamba Wena' and 'Siyathandana' carried her voice across the genre, and the albums iSlomo (2022) and Umhlobo (2024) deepened the catalogue. In 2025, OkayAfrica counts her among the female vocalists defining amapiano's current era.
Management contact as supplied to Viranova. Press kits, venue bookings, brand partnerships, and interview requests can all be routed here.
SAMA32’s shortlist shows a South African music industry no longer defined by one centre. From Durban Gqom to Maskandi, Amapiano, Jazz, Gospel and regional scenes, the country’s sound is spreading power across many hubs.
No upcoming events listed.
