South African artist Vusi Nova is organizing a national tour to mark the anniversary of his breakthrough album 'Naninina,' which was released ten years ago, as well as to present a new phase of his career with the release of the EP 'Here to Stay.'
The prize-winning vocalist will kick off the 'Here to Stay National Tour' on Saturday, October 17, at The Ridge in Emalahleni. This concert series is scheduled for nine evenings across eight cities from October 2026 to March 2027. The tour is organized by Nova Sounds and will allow fans to revisit the songs that defined Vusi Nova's career and get acquainted with the material from the latest release.
For an artist whose music touches upon themes of love, heartbreak, and healing, this tour is also an opportunity to celebrate the connection he has built with listeners over the past fifteen years in the industry.
This tour marks a significant milestone in Vusi Nova's career, as it is his first national tour as an independent artist, allowing him to approach live performances differently. Speaking about what sets this tour apart from his usual shows, the singer mentioned a desire to return to the tradition of presenting music directly to the audience.
He mentioned having performed previously while signed to EMI, alongside artists such as Mandoza, Ntando, Kwela Tebza, Zulu Boy, and Rebecca Malope, but emphasized that this is his first tour of this format. He stated that the goal is to 'deliver music to people, as I was taught,' which, in his words, does not happen as often these days.
Unlike festival appearances, where artists are often given only 35–45 minutes, this tour will give him more time to perform fan-favorite compositions.
Ten years after the release of 'Naninina,' Vusi Nova is revisiting this album, which remains one of the defining projects of his work. This anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the music that has connected him with the public for many years, and the tour will feature tracks from this album alongside other beloved pieces from his repertoire.
Vusi Nova explained that the decision to commemorate this anniversary with a new EP and a national tour was well thought out. He clarified that the significance lies in celebrating the 10th anniversary of his biggest album, 'Naninina,' and decided to release the EP on the same day the album was released ten years prior. Furthermore, it is a way to revive old traditions of touring and presenting music to people.
Despite the nostalgic nature of the tour, Vusi Nova is also looking to the future. His latest EP, 'Here to Stay,' which includes songs like 'Thandeka' and 'Here to Stay,' reflects his continuous development as an artist while maintaining the emotional vulnerability that has become the hallmark of his music.
For the singer, the title carries a deeper meaning than just longevity in the music industry. He explained that he found his purpose in sharing love with the world through music. He also shared his greatest fear—that his name would disappear along with his physical body—and noted that through music, he has found something that will allow him to live forever—his music, which he considers 'eternal music.'
Over many years, Vusi Nova has earned a reputation as a songwriter exploring the complexities of love, heartbreak, and vulnerability. He asserts that his personal experiences have played a central role in shaping his songwriting. He stressed that every song he writes is based on personal experience, and that accepting vulnerability has been liberating for him. He believes this is why people connect with his music, as they experience similar moments in life.
Performing songs written at different stages of his life has also given him a new perspective on his catalog. He observed that the beauty of music is that it allows one to return to certain situations and feel the same emotions again, but with a better understanding thanks to growing up and the passage of time, concluding: 'Experience brings wisdom.'
Summarizing his 15-year professional journey, the singer noted that he has become more mature and gained a stronger sense of purpose, learning from both experience and mistakes. He also realized the importance of understanding the business side of music beyond mere creativity. He expressed gratitude for the love, loyalty, and trust people place in his music. Moreover, he understood that he should not focus solely on creating music but also pay attention to business aspects to ensure the well-being of his loved ones and pass on accumulated knowledge.
The tour will begin in Emalahleni and then continue in Tshwane in November. Cape Town and Gqeberha will host two concerts each, followed by performances in Mangaung and Mbombela in February 2027. The planned route will conclude in Durban and East London in March.
Specific dates include: 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; and March 27, 2027 — East London. Tickets are available through Webtickets.