Ayanda Sibisi is a force of nature — an artist whose voice, presence, and purpose transcend the stage. Born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she has mastered the delicate art of storytelling through multiple forms: as an actress, presenter, TV and film producer, and most profoundly, as a gospel musician. Her commanding performances in iconic productions such as The Lion King in Hong Kong and The Color Purple have left audiences spellbound, earning her critical acclaim and a Naledi Award nomination.
In 2025, her remarkable artistry was once again recognized with a National Arts and Culture Award (NACA) nomination for Outstanding Actor in Theatre—a nod to her enduring dedication to excellence and her ability to breathe soul into every role she embodies. Whether commanding a stage or leading worship through song, Ayanda Sibisi represents the very essence of South Africa’s creative brilliance.
In conversation with Grandiose Magazine, she reflects on her journey, inspiration, and the calling that continues to guide her artistic path.
Growing up in Durban, what first inspired your love for the performing arts and gospel music?
I was an avid TV watcher when I was young , shows like Fame, Backstage and Shell Road to Fame and the Lion King movie were shows that sparked something in me at the time, there was just something fascinating about that TV box and wanting to be part of something bigger. That’s where the acting bug bit me. As for Gospel Music, there was something so spirited about watching Gospel Choirs like Kirk Franklin and God’s Property and Family Factory in our country it just looked
attractive and fascinating to sing about God in such a magnificent way like that, but I never saw myself doing it up until later when I had my own personal encounter with God.
Do you remember the moment you realized your voice was a gift meant to be shared with the world?
When I used to sing randomly while playing with friends as a kid, I would hear comments like “you sing great!” or “wow you have a great voice!” Lol! I was always surrounded by my older sisters as well (I am 3rd daughter a proper middle child) who pushed me and challenged me to sing and focus on my gift. Then I would be called randomly to sing for people then I knew, there was something there, then when when the time came, I found myself choosing Drama Studies at a higher education institution at DUT and obtaining my National Diploma in Drama Studies
and Television Production
You’ve starred in celebrated productions like The Lion King in Hong Kong and The Color Purple and recently The Cry of Winnie Mandela . How did these experiences shape you as an artist?
They affirmed and confirmed me time and time again to the point of being solidified as a child of God, musician, storyteller, healer and an artist in my generation and within the Arts fraternity.
What was it like stepping into roles that carry such powerful cultural and emotional resonance?
It’s nothing ordinary that’s for sure. It made me so much aware that I am stepping into something that is bigger than me and that I am a medium of communication and humility and understanding are such important keys and elements into embodying characters of such cultural relevance and power. And knowing it’s a journey worth traveling every time.
Congratulations on your NACA 2025 nomination for Outstanding Actor in Theatre. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
It means I am being seen and definitely being heard. And that means more responsibility and accountability to keep on producing great an compelling work and not drop the ball!
Your gospel music carries such deep spiritual power. What themes or messages do you hope to communicate through your songs?
My songs are God’s message through me to his people, so I hope they keep the faith, they experience freedom, peace of mind, revival, joy and renewed strength to go on another day and also pursue their own dreams.
How does your work in music influence your acting—and vice versa?
There is such a deep resonance and connection between the two elements in my life it’s not even funny, for example before we would go on stage, as a cast, there was a song in particular that would hype us up called Sekonakele by Phathokuhle so that the atmosphere would be that of harmony and power by the time we got onstage we were on fire and ready. The need for excellence is always far greater in my music as well as in my acting.
Your upcoming show, A Night with Ayanda Sibisi on the 7th of November 2025, has generated a lot of excitement. What can audiences expect from this performance, and what inspired the concept behind it?
A Night with Ayanda Sibisi has been such a long time coming offering. Plus or minus ten years in the making, it was just waiting for my purpose partner , visionary and husband Jabulani Phambana to complete the piece of the puzzle of my life story. This is our second production offering as a company that we co-own together called Mouzetrap Entertainment, which is celebrating 10 years this year, and we’ve partnered with DSAC and Mzansi Golden Economy to make this happen.
Audiences can expect an unforgettable evening of music celebration, storytelling and spiritual connection that goes beyond entertainment, they’ll have a chance to feel, reflect and rejoice together! With a selected menu of starters, main course and of course drinks and at the most opulent venue any entertainer would delight to perform in at Greenpark The Venue, overlooking the city skies, high on life and art!
Whether it’s theatre, film, or music—how do you prepare yourself mentally and spiritually before a performance or recording?
There are certain “rituals” that each performer has in their toolbox. I vocally warm up before a singing engagement, I go over the pieces memorise over and over again. Perform and rehearse up until that engagement then I “suit up” and remove myself out of the way, pray, listen to good soothing music. Then go over everything step by step then, allow myself to take a backseat and the greater higher me takes up space then I go!
The South African creative industry continues to evolve. From your perspective, what excites or inspires you about where we’re heading?
There’s growth that needs to happen in order to move with the flow and the current of this ever changing industry. It’s always a give and take. But there are somethings that we must not compromise in order to “fit in” I will never compromise good music for the sake of fitting in. When you’ve found your niche, stay there but allow for growth. I am excited by being able to grow and evolve with a partner who is equally creative in the field I am in and allows for that growth. The newness of how everything moves as well is what’s exciting and we’re able to harness it.
As a woman leading in multiple creative spaces—music, film, and theatre—what has your journey taught you about resilience and self-belief?
It’s a journey less travelled, and there’s nothing ordinary about the life we’ve chosen to lead and so it requires and an extra ordinary God. When the negative voices and the wolves in sheep skin are many you need a power higher than you to silence the negative voices and reveal the wolves who come to destroy you. So yes resilience and self belief are everything as well the love for what you do.
What drives you to keep creating and performing across so many disciplines?
When an opportunity comes knocking, I go for it. And that drive for excellence and to do better than before when given the chance becomes the driving force. And to see God glorified in all that I do, gives me that sense of purpose and renewed energy.
When audiences experience your art—on stage or through your music—what do you hope they take away?
I hope they take away that they too have the license to fully be themselves and in turn become greater than what they’ve become. There’s always room to grow and to evolve. And that they give themselves that permission to pursue their dreams without fear of anyone or anything. And each and everyone has their role to play and I am playing mine.
Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans can look forward to?
My company Mouzetrap Entertainment is working on a couple of projects and that includes packaging A Night With Ayanda Sibisi to possible streamers. A Christmas movie in the pipelines, and a children’s show called Auntie Yayah! The sky’s not the limit for me! So stay tuned!
