Singer

Feli Nandi

Feli Nandi, whose real name is Felistus Winnie Chipendo, is a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, Afro-fusion musician, and fashion designer. She has become a recognised voice in Zimbabwe’s music industry thanks to her soulful vocals, emotional songwriting, and ability to blend traditional African sounds with modern music.

Her journey is a story of talent, perseverance, and finding the courage to pursue a dream after difficult experiences. Beyond music, Feli has also established herself as an entrepreneur, building a fashion brand and opening a restaurant in Harare.

Early Life and Background

Feli Nandi was born on June 17, 1992 in Zimbabwe and developed an interest in music when she was young. Her mother played an important role in encouraging her passion, teaching her songs and helping her develop her singing ability.

During her childhood, Feli enjoyed music and began writing songs while she was still in secondary school. She admired Zimbabwean music legends such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, and Chiwoniso Maraire. Their influence helped shape her appreciation for traditional Zimbabwean sounds and meaningful storytelling.

However, her journey was not always easy. Feli lost her mother when she was 15, a deeply painful experience that affected her relationship with music. She stepped away from singing for several years before eventually finding her way back to her passion.

Her story shows that success does not always happen quickly. Sometimes, people need time to heal, rediscover themselves, and find the confidence to begin again.

Music Career and Breakthrough

Feli Nandi began pursuing music professionally in 2018 when she joined Mbeu’s Mhodzi Tribe as a backing vocalist. She spent approximately two years with the group, gaining valuable performance experience and developing her vocal skills.

In 2020, she launched her solo career and gained wider attention through “Mufudzi WeMombe,” a collaboration with Zimbabwean singer Trevor Dongo. The song helped introduce her voice to a broader audience and marked an important turning point in her career.

She released her self-titled album, Feli Nandi, in 2021, followed by her debut studio album, Izwi, in 2022. Songs such as “Munhu Wangu,” “Unotyei,” and “Kukurumidza” further strengthened her popularity.

Her achievements include winning Best Female Artist at the 2023 Zimbabwe Music Awards. Her music has also reached audiences beyond Zimbabwe through performances in countries including South Africa, Togo, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In March 2025, she released her second studio album, Ndisiyei, continuing to explore personal experiences and emotional storytelling through music.

Fashion and Business Ventures

Feli Nandi is also passionate about fashion. She established Feli Nandi Apparels, a clothing business featuring African-inspired designs. Her interest in fashion grew partly because fans admired the outfits she wore during performances and wanted similar designs.

She later expanded into the food business by opening Kwa Nandi, a Harare restaurant specialising in traditional Zimbabwean meals.

These ventures show that Feli is interested in building a career beyond music and creating different ways to connect with her audience.