Grammy-winning South African artist Nomcebo Zikode showcased her talent and culture at the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, earning admiration from fans back home. She delivered a powerful closing performance during the Business Forum hosted at the University of Nairobi, an event that became one of the summit’s highlights.
The forum, titled “Inspire & Connect,” attracted over 1,500 esteemed guests, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and dignitaries from various nations, particularly Africa and France. It served as a platform for vital discussions on investment, collaboration, technological advancements, sustainable development, and enhancing partnerships between African countries and France.
As the sole performer at the Business Forum, Nomcebo infused her act with a rich display of African heritage and music. Her strong vocals and vibrant energy resonated with the audience, creating a celebratory and emotional experience within the venue.
A particularly memorable moment occurred when Emmanuel Macron joined her on stage, generating excitement among the attendees and on social media. This interaction encapsulated the summit’s overarching message of unity and collaboration between Africa and France within both the business and cultural realms.
Post-performance, Nomcebo shared her appreciation for being part of such a significant event. “I am honoured to close this important gathering and share South Africa’s musical spirit with our brothers and sisters across Africa and France,” she remarked.
Globally recognized for her role in the renowned track Jerusalema, Nomcebo continues to elevate the profile of African music around the world. Her presence at the summit underscored the capacity of music and culture to foster relationships and unity across geographical boundaries.
Additionally, her performance underscored the increasing impact of African artists in arenas beyond entertainment. By intertwining music with discussions focused on economic growth and global partnerships, Nomcebo illustrated the significance of creativity and culture in influencing discourse on the continent’s future.
Social media has been abuzz with messages from fans in South Africa who celebrated her standout representation of the nation on an influential platform.
Nomcebo’s remarkable presentation at the Africa Forward Summit marks the start of an exciting week, as she is set to perform alongside a lineup of prominent African artists at the Africa Forward Le Concert later tonight at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.
