South African singer Vusi Nova is taking his music to the people with a national tour celebrating a decade of his breakthrough album, 'Naninina', while ushering in a new chapter with his latest EP, 'Here to Stay'.
The award-winning vocalist kicks off the Here to Stay National Tour on Saturday, October 17, at The Ridge in Emalahleni, marking the beginning of a concert series that will travel across eight cities for nine nights between October 2026 and March 2027.
Presented by Nova Sounds, the tour will allow fans to revisit the songs that have defined Vusi Nova’s career while experiencing music from his latest release.
For an artist whose music has explored love, heartbreak and healing, the tour is also a chance to celebrate the connection he has built with listeners over the past 15 years in the industry.
Vusi Nova returns to the stage on his own terms
The tour marks a significant milestone for Vusi Nova, his first national tour as an independent artist, allowing him to approach live performances differently.
Speaking about what sets the tour apart from his usual bookings, the singer said he wanted to return to the tradition of taking music directly to audiences.
“This is my first tour as an independent artist. I’ve toured before when I was signed to EMI, alongside artists such as Mandoza, Ntando, Kwela Tebza, Zulu Boy, and Rebecca Malope, among many others. But this is my first tour of this kind,” he said.
“It’s about taking the music to the people, the way I was taught. That doesn’t happen as much anymore.”
Unlike festival appearances, where performers are often allocated just 35 to 45 minutes on stage, the tour will allow him more time to perform the songs his supporters have come to love.
A decade of Naninina
Ten years after the release of "Naninina", Vusi Nova is revisiting the album that remains one of the defining projects of his career.
The anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the music that has connected him with audiences over the years, with the tour set to feature selections from the album alongside other career favourites.
Vusi Nova said the decision to mark the anniversary with a new EP and a national tour was deliberate.
“The significance is that I’m celebrating 10 years of my biggest album, 'Naninina'. I thought, why not release an EP on the exact same day I released that album 10 years ago?” he said.
“It’s also about bringing back the way we used to do things back in the day, going on tour, taking the music to the people, and celebrating with them.”
"Here to Stay" signals a new chapter
While nostalgia is a major part of the tour, Vusi Nova is also looking ahead.
His latest EP, Here to Stay, featuring songs such as “Thandeka” and “Here to Stay”, reflects his continued evolution as an artist while retaining the emotional vulnerability that has become a hallmark of his music.
For the singer, the title carries a deeper meaning beyond his longevity in the music industry.
“Firstly, I’ve found my purpose, and that is to share love with the world through music,” he explained.
“We’re all going to leave this earth one day, and my biggest fear has always been my name dying with the flesh. Through music, I’ve found something that will allow me to live forever, and that is my music.
“I’ve been blessed with the gift of music, and not just music, but timeless music.”
‘With time comes wisdom’
Over the years, Vusi Nova has built a reputation for songs that explore the complexities of love, heartbreak and vulnerability. He says his personal experiences have played a central role in shaping his songwriting.
“Every single song I’ve ever written has been based on a personal experience,” he said.
“The moment I embraced vulnerability, it was liberating for me. I think that’s also why people relate to my music, because these are things we all go through at some point in our lives. It gives people a sense that they’re not alone.”
Performing songs written at different stages of his life has also given him a new perspective on his catalogue.
“That’s what’s so beautiful about music. You get to be transported back to certain situations and feel those same emotions again, but you also get to understand them better because of ukukhula and the passage of time,” he said.
“With time comes wisdom.”
Reflecting on his 15-year professional journey, the singer said he has become more mature and developed a stronger sense of purpose, learning from both his experiences and mistakes.
He has also come to appreciate the importance of understanding the business side of music, beyond simply creating it.
“I’ve learnt that people have so much love, loyalty, and trust because of the music, and I couldn’t feel more blessed,” he said.
“I’ve also learnt not to focus only on making music, but to pay attention to the business side of things as well. It’s important to build wealth for my loved ones so they can have a platform to realise their dreams earlier, while also passing on the knowledge I’ve gained along the way.”
Vusi Nova’s Here to Stay National Tour dates
The tour begins in eMalahleni before moving to Tshwane in November. Cape Town and Gqeberha will each host two concert nights, followed by performances in Mangaung and Mbombela in February 2027. The scheduled run will conclude in Durban and East London in March.
October 17, 2026: The Ridge, eMalahleni
November 6, 2026: State Theatre, Tshwane
November 13 and 14, 2026: City Hall, Cape Town
November 21 and 22, 2026: Boardwalk Casino, Gqeberha
February 6, 2027: Mangaung
February 20, 2027: Mbombela
March 20, 2027: Durban
March 27, 2027: East London
Tickets are available through Webtickets.