KwaZulu-Natal-born singer and performer Phindile Ndlovu is set to headline her own show in Paris, marking a major moment in her international career as she brings African storytelling to one of the world’s most recognised cultural stages.
Her concert, “The Songs That Made Me”, will take place at Sunside Sunset on Tuesday, April 14, offering audiences an intimate look into the music and experiences that have shaped her journey.
For Ndlovu, the moment carries deep personal meaning.
“It’s a deeply emotional and full-circle moment for me. Coming from South Africa and now standing on a stage in Paris, headlining my own show, is something I don’t take for granted,” she said.
“This concert represents not just my journey, but every space and culture that has shaped me along the way.”
She added that performing in Paris feels significant beyond her own career.
“Paris is such a cultural capital, so to share my story here feels like an affirmation that African voices belong on the world’s biggest stages. At this point in my career, it feels like I’m stepping into my purpose, not just as a performer, but as a storyteller.”
With more than a decade of international experience, Ndlovu has built a career that spans continents. She is currently performing in France as Rafiki in “The Lion King” musical, following a 10-year run in the Spanish production.
Her global profile grew further when she reached the semifinals of “The Voice Spain”, where her performances connected with audiences across Europe.
The Paris concert reflects her personal and artistic evolution.
“The songs are very personal. They are the songs that raised me, guided me, and carried me through different seasons of my life. I wanted to create a journey for the audience, not just a performance,” she explained.
She described how the set list draws from different chapters of her life.
“There are songs that connect to my roots in South Africa, songs that reflect my growth during my time on ‘The Voice Spain’, and moments inspired by my experience performing in ‘The Lion King’.”
“It’s really about evolution, honouring where I come from while embracing who I am becoming. Every song has a story, and together they paint a picture of my identity as an artist.”
Representation remains central to her work as she continues to perform on global stages.
“It’s incredibly important to me. Wherever I go in the world, I carry South Africa with me, our stories, our languages, our spirit. Representation is not just about being seen, it is about being heard and understood,” she said.
Through “The Songs That Made Me”, Ndlovu hopes to create a connection that extends beyond the stage.
“Through this performance, I want people to feel the richness of our culture and the universality of our stories. Music has the power to connect us beyond borders, and I hope that when people leave the show, they feel inspired, seen, and a little more connected to Africa.”
Now based in Paris, Ndlovu continues to use her voice to bridge cultures while opening doors for other artists.
“For me, it’s about opening doors, not just for myself, but for the many talented artists coming after me,” she said.
