Lucie Nozizwe Jiyane: A Voice of Africa, Love, and Resilience

Hailing from the small town of Unhošť near Prague in the Czech Republic, Lucie Nozizwe Jiyane has lived a life that embodies music, cultural exchange, and unwavering resilience. Her professional singing career began in 1998, exploring diverse genres such as rock, pop, musicals, swing, and cabaret.

In 2002, Lucie moved to South Africa, where she attended a prestigious singing school, studying under the renowned vocalist Kylé Adcock. It was there that Lucie discovered her true musical calling—African music. Inspired by the vibrant rhythms and soulful harmonies, she sought to bring that same joy and cultural richness back to her audiences in the Czech Republic.

Upon her return, Lucie founded the “Mama Africa Tribute Band” (M.A.T. Band) and launched the project “Music from the Heart of Africa.” Her passion and dedication earned her the affectionate nickname “Lucie Africa.” Her performances transcend entertainment, serving as an educational journey where she shares stories of African life, culture, history, and the challenges of South African education. Singing in English, isiZulu, Xhosa, and other African languages, Lucie reveals the beauty and depth of African traditions through her music.

In 2012, Lucie released a tribute CD to honor the legendary Miriam Makeba, also known as Mama Africa, a monumental figure in music and human rights advocacy. The project was celebrated by luminaries including the South African Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. Celia-Sandra Botha, motivational speaker Billy Selekane, and Czech artist Daniel Barta. Lucie also became an exclusive member of the Miriam Makeba organization and began collaborating with South African embassies to promote cultural unity.

Her advocacy extended further in 2015 with the creation of the “In the Name of Love – With Music for a Better World” project. Lucie partnered with the Zululand Gospel Choir from KwaZulu-Natal, touring the Czech Republic with their “Concerts for Peace.” That same year, during a life-changing visit to South Africa, she was baptized and given the Zulu name Nozizwe, meaning “Mother of Nations.”

In 2017, Lucie began working on a song to honor Nelson Mandela and developed a friendship with his granddaughter, Ndileka Mandela, who has since partnered with her on various projects.

Tragedy struck in early 2018 when Lucie lost her husband and manager, Mandlakayise Xolo Jiyane, an accomplished musician, composer, and human rights activist. The devastating loss led her to step away from music for several years. Despite these challenges, Lucie, a mother of three—two black children and one white—navigated this difficult period with extraordinary strength, raising her children alone in the Czech Republic. Her unwavering determination allowed her family not only to endure but to thrive.

In September 2022, Lucie returned to the stage with two powerful new programs:

• “Africa Is Where My Heart Lies”: A tribute to the legends of South African music.

• “African Thanda (African Love)”: A vibrant celebration of African music, from traditional songs to gospel, performed with her Ubuntu Choir.

Lucie continues her humanitarian efforts through the establishment of UXOLO, an organization in memory of her late husband, focused on human rights, peace, and education. She is also a partner in Divas with Soul, which empowers young girls and women in South Africa.

Every note Lucie sings is imbued with her heart, life experiences, and profound love for Africa.

“The message I want to share through my music is simple yet profound: it doesn’t matter where we come from, what we look like, or what we believe in. What truly matters is that we always treat each other with love and respect.”

Lucie Nozizwe Jiyane is not just an artist; she is a beacon of hope, unity, and inspiration, a living testament to the power of love and resilience.