Vangiwe Y’awa, formerly known as Yolanda Y'awa, is a multifaceted singer, artist and philanthropist whose journey embodies resilience, diversity, and the celebration of identity. Renowned as a Singer/Songwriter, Motivational Speaker,   Creative Designer, Business Owner, Artist Manager, and devoted wife/ mother, her life's tapestry is woven from the dusty streets of Gugulethu, a township in Cape Town, South Africa, to the vibrant city of Nijmegen, Netherlands.

Under the name Yolanda Y'awa, she garnered acclaim for her captivating voice, vibrant artistry, and unwavering dedication to social causes. Despite facing significant challenges, including  sexual abuse and a diagnosis of HIV at the age of 21, she chose to live her life with courage, love, and purpose. Formerly the face and lead singer of the Afro-classical fusion band, Coda Africa,   Y'awa's musical prowess has been evident since childhood. Her ascent to  stardom was marked by a triumphant victory in a talent competition at the tender age of seven, where she captivated audiences with renditions of Brenda Fassie's timeless hits, including 'Too Late for Mama'. Since then, Y'awa has crafted her own musical legacy, releasing two albums and a single as a solo artist.

"My upbringing wasn't always a 'bed of roses'," reflects Y’awa, "but it instilled in me a God-given passion and a profound appreciation for music and diverse cultural experiences." This drive propelled her onto international stages, including a special performance at the late Archbishop Tutu's 75th birthday celebration, where she moved dignitaries to their knees in the spirit of Ubuntu.

She has toured Europe with  groups like the Gugulethu Tenors, Coda Africa and IMEXSA, also as a solo artist performing on international stages. Some of her career highlights are being part of the the project, Kaapstad meet Kytopia in Holland; showcased at Afrika Festival Wurzburg 2014, Germany and the CMJ Marathon 2014, New York,  Midem, amongst many international festivals. At home, she has performed at many corporate, charity and private events together with delivering heartfelt motivational speeches, inclu ding the Ubuntu Festival which was a tribute to Tata Madiba (Nelson Mandela). This also inspired her to write a song, Tata Madiba.
She has also enjoyed the opportunity to sing the South African and Australian national anthems, alongside Justin Burgh for the international rugby match between SA and Australia in 2006. Being so multi-faceted, Y'awa continues to surprise as she has also had an honour to sing in the Thermocool Nigeria's advert, Always there!. She has also won  numerous awards like the Peace Song, Best Designer at the Fashion Police Fashion Show, a finalist in Miss Cape Town 1996, Best Dressed couple at the J&B met, amongst many. 
Y’awa’s captivating performance is inspired by the likes of Brenda Fassie meets Miriam Makeba meets Tina Turner and Gill Scott. Prior to release her latest 2nd album, Perfectly IMperfect, Y’awa released her solo debut album ,  CrossOva, in a glamorous event at the Cape Quarter Lifestyle event in 2011, with great media reviews and also released two album with her previous band, Coda where she wrote lyrics and co-produced most of the songs.  Though her  musical sounds evolves with her life experiences and time, her signature sound remains authentic with a touch of African  Contemporary jazz meets fusion meets soul meets Afro-pop. 

Her upcoming third studio album, BUBOMI SANA, and her planning to build a school for girls in South Africa, serve as a testament to her resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity. Now embracing her native name, Vangiwe, which means "mixture and diversity," she symbolizes the richness of her heritage and the importance of embracing one's true self. Through her art, advocacy, and philanthropy, Y’awa continues to inspire others to celebrate their uniqueness and make a positive impact on the world.

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Portia Monique is here to present the world with a unique style of music.

This phenomenal vocalist has a commercial sound that is instantly recognizable, and a style that is a seamless fusion of Soul, R&B and Jazz. Her voice is as distinctive as her look; this 6ft diva woos her listeners with unique and edgy song concepts, jazzy vocal tricks, and complex vocal harmonies.

Singing since she was 3 years old and writing songs since she was 9, Portia has a knack for lyrical prose that is nothing less than incredible. A prominent musical figure in Seattle, she built her local reputation through weekly performances at lounges and collaboration with other local artist. Her first single “Radio,” which became an instant hit on Hot Jams 88.9 FM. In addition to “Radio,” Portia has collaborated with Seattle’s hit music producer Illoquint, with tracks in partnership with the Los Angeles production duo “The Finisherz”, and Seattle’s own Kuddie Fresh.

Hit makers such as Rodney "Dark Child" Jerkins, soul singer Raheem Devaughn, mega producer's Midi Mafia, Vanessa Brown of Showtime at the Apollo, and the founder of International Record Label “Reel People Music” Oli Lazarus has personally acknowledged Portia’s skills. She has worked with industry producer Kyle West (Donnell Jones, LL Cool J, Tevin Campbell), been showcased as a Featured Artist on Houston’s “The Kitty Williams Show” (www.thekittywilliamsshow.fm), and has shared the stage with internationally known recording artist Choklate. 
Portia has toured Southeast Asia, fulfilling here destiny., and is now awaiting the arrival of her debut album with Reel People Music, which is due to release the in 2014.

Influenced by artists Sade, Zap Mama and many more, this young woman has developed an eccentric yet universally appealing sound that cannot be replicated. 

With plans to bring the passion of R&B into today’s Pop culture, her signature voice, style and look, will never cease to turn heads, perk ears, and captivate minds. The musical elite should stand poised to celebrate the captivating sound of dominant pop culture’s latest arrival, Portia Monique.


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