“Books Before Boys — Because Boys Bring Babies,” Says Nirvana Nokwe as She Graduates and Launches Music Career

Nirvana Nokwe is ready to take the music world by storm following her graduation from the Academy of Sound Engineering. Although she initially enrolled to study television and screen arts, her path took a creative turn when she found herself collaborating with music students.

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“It was a beautiful intersection between my music and my filmmaking work. I was studying to be behind the camera. I just started creating really strong relationships with people in the sound division and they called me in to be a part of their projects. I didn’t exist in just one space,” Nirvana told TshisaLIVE.

Now, with her diploma in hand and fresh inspiration, she’s preparing to release a powerful new single titled Mama. The song, a collaboration with Master KG and Goon Flavour, will be part of their upcoming EP.

“It’s been so amazing collaborating with them. They featured me on one of their songs. This song is such a beautiful compliment to what’s happening in my life,” she shared. “Mama is a song that’s so close to my heart, especially now, because books before boys — because boys bring babies.”

Nokwe said the song is a heartfelt thank-you to her mother, who has always encouraged her to stay focused and grounded. “This song is about me thanking uMama for supporting me and helping me keep focused, not me giving my life, faith, and destiny away to boys, now that I’m graduating,” she said. “I’m just so grateful to my mother. My mother really taught me to prioritise myself before love and is always giving me advice about love and dating. She’s always telling me to have a life and have a strong connection with God first.”

Although Nirvana is known for her work in film and on screen, she’s now returning to what she calls her “first love” — music. “I am really prioritising my music this year. I’m really putting in a lot of effort into music, and working on my own stuff,” she said.

Outside the studio and stage, she’s also a creative entrepreneur. In 2024, she launched The Connect Supper Club — a unique space for meaningful conversations, networking, collaboration, and fine dining. Nokwe says she plans to grow the venture and collaborate with more creatives to expand its impact.