Cape Town collective Ndibale tackles social issues through music

A group of 20 young creatives in Cape Town, South Africa, has formed a collective called Ndibale to confront social issues through music and community engagement. The collective, whose name translates to “count me in”, will debut its live programme at Villa Viva in Cape Town on 15 August, with its first single following on 31 August.

Ndibale brings together producers, rappers, singers, poets, writers, photographers, videographers and event curators. Its sound incorporates amapiano, Afro house, deep house, hip hop and R&B.

Before writing any songs, members spent five months discussing the social pressures they wanted to explore, drawing on personal experiences rather than an externally imposed brief. The collective said its approach is informed by South Africa’s history of using music as a tool for social mobilisation, particularly during the anti-apartheid struggle.

Its work focuses on the social pressures surrounding substance use, gambling and gender-based violence, aiming to encourage discussion rather than portray affected communities through a deficit-based lens.

“What matters to me is what it meant to come into this,” said Onthatile Pooe, Ndibale’s Campaigns & Events Lead. “We wanted to prove that music can be a tool for social development, and over our time together I have watched people’s attitudes and perceptions genuinely shift. Not every lesson comes from a classroom, and some of the most important conversations I have had happened right here.”

Beyond live performances, Ndibale is exploring digital storytelling and community activations to extend its engagement. The collective said its future direction remains under development as its members continue to shape the project.