Nhlanhla Ngqaqu

Nhlanhla Ngqaqu is an artist, musician, and activist who is committed to using art as a powerful tool for social change and health equity. His leadership and initiative demonstrate his dedication to addressing the urgent issues faced by South Africa’s youth and marginalised communities. He is not only a musician but also the founder, composer, bassist, and curator of the Pan-Afrikanist jazz ensemble known as iPhupho L’ka Biko. The establishment of iPhupho L’ka Biko in 2015 was driven by a desire to provide a creative platform for young artists, enabling them to express their talents and make a sustainable living through their craft. Nhlanhla’s activist journey is characterized by his involvement in the Fees Must Fall movement during his undergraduate years at Wits University in 2015/2016. Since then, through his band, iPhupho L’ka Biko, he has continued to confront and address social issues and challenges using music as a powerful tool to raise awareness and promote healing. He recognises that the well-being of South Africa’s youth, who are plagued by depression due to a lack of access to quality, decolonised education and high unemployment rates, is a pressing concern.