Mawande Mnotho Msomi

Mawande is a multifaceted writer, performer, unfolding poet, and songwriter from Umtwenteni, Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal. Growing up in a musical world, she was influenced by the rhythms of jazz and African drums, particularly inspired by her grandfather, Reggie Msomi, an incio jazz musician. In 2019, Mawande’s artistic journey took a turn when she traveled to China for the Shanghai International Sister Cities Youth Camp, igniting her passion for performance. She went on to complete her BA in Live Performance at AFDA in 2023. Though she majored in screen performance, her experience working on Shakespeare’s Hamlet in her final year fostered a deep appreciation for classical theatre. Mawande’s work draws inspiration from the rich landscapes of Africa, the healing journey of the inner child, and the reclamation of femininity. Performing under the name “Mnotho”—a non-binary name chosen by her mother who anticipated a boy—Mawande embraces a unique artistic identity that transcends traditional gender roles.