In a gathering of Africa’s most compelling creative voices, the second edition of the AfroTellers Conference saw Bulawayo’s own Lissa Noluntu Sibanda — better known by her stage name Noluntu J — selected to grace the stage.
The AfroTellers Conference is an international platform spotlighting the continent’s most dynamic creative voices.
With a bold endorsement from Signature Suits, a Bulawayo-based clothing store, the brand demonstrated its commitment to elevating local talent and celebrating cultural identity through style by sponsoring the artist’s performance.
In an interview with Standard Style, Signature Suits representative Sizolwenkosi Dube said Noluntu J embodies an authentic voice that blends creativity with cultural identity, making her the ideal choice to represent the city.
“We believe that the African story is best told through authentic voices that blend creativity with cultural identity, and Noluntu J embodies exactly that. Our decision to select her for the AfroTellers Conference came from recognizing how hip-hop, at its core, is a powerful form of storytelling,” said Dube.
He added that Noluntu J translates street poetry into rhythm and message — storytelling in its purest modern form, aligning perfectly with the conference’s objectives.
“Through her music, she narrates the lived experiences, struggles, and triumphs of young Africans, especially those from Bulawayo. She translates street poetry into rhythm and message — that’s storytelling in its purest modern form,” he said.
Dube believes the conference will help her expand her artistic scope and reach new audiences.
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“We also believe that the AfroTellers platform will help her widen her artistic scope and reach new audiences who appreciate Africa’s evolving creative voice. It’s a chance for her to represent Bulawayo on a global stage and for the world to see how our city continues to produce strong, conscious, and culturally rooted storytellers,” he added.
Noluntu J echoed the sentiment, promising a vibrant show.
“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity. I can’t wait to represent Bulawayo. I’ve prepared a mini set, a nice wardrobe, and a presentation.”
This year’s edition, held from October 23-25 in Johannesburg, transcended geographical, cultural and ideological boundaries, aiming to explore new horizons in African storytelling.
The transformative initiative is led by Thrive Afrika, in collaboration with Trust Africa, The Market Theatre Foundation, and the Wits University School of Arts – Cultural Policy and Management Department.
