This Thursday, South African guitarist and singer Sibusile Xaba will return to Sofia for a special performance at the A to JazZ Festival 2025, joining forces with Belgian-Ghanaian multi-instrumentalist ESINAM in a unique collaboration as part of the festival’s World Music Showcase.
Their project — a blend of afro-roots, electro, and spiritual jazz — is more than a performance; it’s a ritual of connection. Together, ESINAM and Sibusile explore the sounds of ancestry, identity, and healing. Their collaboration, born from mutual admiration and deep artistic chemistry, was first sparked in 2018 and has since evolved into a mesmerizing, poetic exchange of grooves, stories, and soul.
But long before this cosmic duo took shape, Dinya Magazine had the honor of sitting down with Sibusile Xaba and fellow South African artist Naftali, during a quieter, intimate moment in Sofia. What unfolded was a conversation not only about music, but about community, humanity, and the spiritual responsibility of the artist.
As Sibusile returns to Sofia, we revisit this heartfelt interview from our archives — a timeless reminder of music’s power to bridge distance, inspire presence, and remind us, in Sibusile’s own words, that:
Love is acceptance – and with acceptance, it can really win.
Open Letter of Love: An Interview with Sibusile Xaba & Naftali
Originally published on Dinya Magazine | Interview & Photos by Sofia Hussein
Two voices and one guitar — sometimes music doesn’t need more to touch you. South African musicians Sibusile Xaba and Naftali shared with us their story of awakening, humility, inspiration, kindness and love, even though we didn’t understand a word of their lyrics.
Their warm smiles and music — flowing as if directly from the heart — reminded us of the natural power of music to transport us thousands of miles without moving, to connect us as people, and even to heal.
We met them during their concerts in Bulgaria, organized by Alarma Punk Jazz and Stretch.
How did you discover music — or did it happen the other way around?
Naftali: I think the music discovered me. I started singing from a very young age. I grew up around musicians; my mother was a singer.
Sibusile: Music discovered me.
And how did you two find each other?
Naftali: We met in Victoria (South Africa) in 2005. We hit it off and just started playing together. The rest is history, as they say.
Sibusile: We are spiritual brothers — we get along without words and we make music with our hearts.
When creating music, what comes first — melody or words?
Naftali: It depends. Sometimes the words, sometimes the melody.
Sibusile: Sometimes the melody, then the words — then you add the harmony. And other times it’s the other way around. But the most important thing is that the music comes from the heart. Otherwise, there’s no point.
What stories do you want to tell with your music?
Naftali: Something to trigger thinking — to think about the future, community, love. I think we all want the same things. We want love, unity, no hate. Our music tells everyday human stories.
Sibusile: Unity, equality, love, being together. I find inspiration in everyday life. I believe music heals us from the wounds of the past and helps us move forward.
You’ve been involved in music for a long time — what changes have you observed in the South African music scene?
Naftali: There hasn’t been an abrupt change from the past — it’s more of a natural extension. What’s changed is the bigger platform that young artists now have. There’s more space to share, to develop. People especially appreciate live music more these days.
Sibusile: The level of the contemporary scene in South Africa is very high. There’s a big community committed to continuing the legacy of those before us. Our historical past is complicated and painful — but that’s why artists are not afraid to take risks, to speak out.
Do you have any “rituals” to help inspire you creatively?
Naftali: Creating is like planting a seed. You have to take care of yourself first — your body, your energy — so that the music can come out.
Sibusile: I love spending time with my daughter, talking to her in our own childlike language. I love listening to different sounds and reproducing them, even by heart. But silence is also very important to me.
On the poster after your concert, Naftali wrote “Be grateful” and Sibusile wrote “Love wins.” What are you grateful for in life, Naftali — and do you think love can really win, Sibusile?
Naftali: I give thanks every day — even for the sun rising and setting. The fact that we are still alive and can connect, talk, and dream about the future. There’s a lot to be thankful for.
Sibusile: Love is acceptance — accepting yourself, others, and the world around you. And I believe that with acceptance, love really can win.
Do you think artists have a social responsibility to reflect the world around them?
Naftali: Art is a reflection of society. If you’re an artist and you don’t reflect what’s going on, then something’s missing. I don’t want to sound judgmental, but that’s what I believe.
Sibusile: I believe art has a social responsibility — you just have to do it.
You mentioned ‘Ubuntu’ earlier — the sense of humanity and belonging. How do we stay human in a world that tries to dehumanize us every day?
Naftali: We have to try in every way to keep that feeling. We are a reflection — part of everything going on in the world. It’s not something abstract.
Sibusile: I just try to do the right things every day, as I feel them.
Naftali, you’re about to release your first solo single. Can you tell us about it?
Naftali: The song is called Kea Shwa — it means “I will die and dig my own grave for your love.” It’s inspired by the African woman, and it’s an introduction to my album Mmapi, which is named after my mother. I worked on it with my musical brothers — Sibusile and Tabang.
One last question — watermelon or melon?
Naftali: I prefer watermelon.
Sibusile: Watermelon, because I like water.
