Rising star Nqobilé reveals hopes to collaborate with Beyonce and Davido after scoring Johnnie Walker’s Bold Steps support

Rising star Nqobilé is no stranger to bright lights, having performed with the likes of Rihanna and Drake as a dancer, but now the artist is forging her own solo career as a singer and has caught the attention of Johnnie Walker Black Label and Dankie Sounds, as part of its latest Bold Steps initiative that focuses on empowering Black women in music.

The pioneering collective chose to focus on the huge disparity experienced by Black women in the music industry, and throughout the partnership with Johnnie Walker Black Label it will focus on the barriers these women face and how to overcome them.

Nqobilé joins DJ Nicky Summers and Captain Lulaz, all of whom are prominent figures in the Amapiano space, to receive a bursary to invest in their work, giving them the freedom to create their art, and they will work closely with Dankie Sounds as well as being mentored one-on-one by music executive Davina Merchant.

We sat down with Nqobilé to discuss the Bold Steps initiative, how it will help her career and her plans for the future.

Who are you, and what is your music all about?
I am Nqobilé (meaning: she has conquered and is victorious); an artist inspired by the rhythms of my upbringing. My music is a reflection of my roots and journey, blending Amapiano, Afrobeats, hip-hop, and hybrid sounds — it’s all about vibrant beats and playful storytelling that capture life’s energy.

Dankie Sounds and I connected through our shared love for Amapiano and a vision to elevate the culture on a global stage. As a UK-based South African artist championing Amapiano, partnering with one of the most renowned events in the scene felt like a perfect match. When they reached out, the synergy was undeniable.

How did you feel when you found out that you were selected for the Johnnie Walker Black Label Bold Steps initiative?
Being chosen for the Johnnie Walker Black Label Bold Steps initiative left me feeling incredibly excited and grateful honestly. It was such a rewarding moment, a true acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into my craft. As an independent artist, opportunities like this don’t come often, and this partnership has given me not only support but also a boost of confidence for the next steps in my career. I’m excited to see my journey as an artist reach new heights.

The Bold Steps initiative offers me not just visibility but one-on-one mentorship with music exec Davina Merchant, and access to a powerful network. It will help me to overcome barriers that black women face in the music industry such as providing me with the tools, resources, and platform to expand my reach, elevate my artistry, and grow as both a performer and a businesswoman. It’s a chance to learn from the best and sharpen my skills, setting me up for greater success.

What do you envision for yourself in 2025?
In 2025, I see myself as an internationally recognized artist, with a diverse catalogue of music that speaks to global audiences. I envision collaborating with artists across continents, expanding my influence in both music and cultural spaces, and continuing to inspire others through my music and journey. I also see myself involved in community initiatives, using my platform for social impact.

You've worked with some incredible artists as a dancer - Rihanna and Drake to name a few, but who do you want to collaborate with on your music?
I would love to collaborate with artists who share my passion for authentic music and innovation. Collaborations with artists like Doechii, Teyana Taylor, Beyonce, Victoria Monet, Davido and Rihanna (if the queen decides to come back to music haha). On the production side, working with producer/DJs like Sarz, Metro Boomin, Pharrell Williams and our very own Uncle Waffles would be amazing—producers who push boundaries and have a distinct sound.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given about your music career - and from who?
The best advice I’ve received is to stay consistent in everything I do, even in the smallest details. With hard work and consistency, things are bound to shift and produce results. Whether it’s staying active on social media (where I was discovered as a dancer) showing up as my authentic self, or engaging with my audience so they can connect with my personality—my superpower—it all matters. It’s not just about pushing my music but allowing my audience to know me and grow with me on my journey as an artist. I’ve seen the impact, and nothing beats CONSISTENCY, even if the progress feels slow.

What advice would you have for Black women looking to start their music careers?
To all the Black women stepping into music, I’d say: Trust your talent and your voice. Don’t let anyone outside our culture dictate your path—build a strong, supportive team that believes in your vision. Understand the business side of music, take the time to read and fully comprehend any contracts or deals before committing. Stay strategic, make informed decisions, and never sign anything impulsively. The journey may be tough, but stay focused, stay persistent, and never, ever compromise your authenticity. Your power is in staying true to YOU. Keep rising!

Learn more about @nqobiledanseur, @captainlulaz, and @nickysummerss and the Bold Steps initiative by watching the full film @dankiesounds. To support these artists, @Johnniewalker and @dankiesounds invite you to follow the mentees' social media platforms, tag them to boost their visibility, add the tracks to playlists, attend their live shows, download and share their music, and follow them on their journey.

Watch full film below.