At the 2025 Urban Music Awards, where stardom and sound met in brilliant celebration, one presence stood out — not because of flashing lights or celebrity endorsements, but because it brought with it the steady, grounding heartbeat of Africa itself. Igugu Le Ntokazi, a proudly African wine brand with roots in Cape Town, offered something deeper: a reconnection to the spirit, culture, and communal identity of the continent.
In a world where culture is increasingly commodified and traditions diluted, Igugu Le Ntokazi reminds Africa — and the world — of a timeless truth: we cannot know where we are going unless we remember where we come from. Through the sacred practice of Ukusila, a form of ancestral and spiritual connection, the brand has positioned itself as much more than a wine producer — it’s a cultural movement and spiritual compass for modern Africa.
More Than Wine: A Return to Ancestral Roots
Founded in 2021 by Nomava Sipendu, a visionary from the Eastern Cape’s Willowvale region, Igugu Le Ntokazi is inspired by her upbringing, steeped in tradition and cultural reverence. Ukusila — often involving periods of reflection, spiritual retreat, or fasting — has always been, in Sipendu’s words, “our most respected way of connecting with our families and ancestors.” This practice, often shared around meals and ceremonies, has found new life through the brand’s wines — each bottle a vessel of heritage, storytelling, and healing.
From the red richness of its Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon to the crisp freshness of Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling non-alcoholic options, every varietal is crafted not just with viticultural precision but with spiritual intention. The wines are grown on meticulously managed vineyards, reflecting both the diverse terroir of the continent and a deep respect for sustainability and community.
“We are not just here to be seen,” said Douglas Chipa, Head of Marketing at the Urban Music Awards South Africa. “We’re here to be felt — to remind Africa of its love, identity, and the humanity that lives in our customs.”
A Cultural Message at the UMAs
At the UMAs, Igugu Le Ntokazi wasn’t simply a sponsor or vendor — it was the cultural heartbeat of the event. In a setting dominated by artistry and entertainment, the brand stood as a reminder that culture isn’t just to be performed, it’s to be preserved and lived. Guests were moved not just by the elegance of the wine, but by the intention behind it — a call to return to unity, community, and pride.
Its presence there also echoed a bigger vision: to bring African traditions to the global table, exporting more than just wine, but wisdom.
Global Reach with Local Roots
Though proudly African in identity, Igugu Le Ntokazi is also international in ambition. Its wines are exported to global markets, and each shipment is treated with the same care and reverence as its creation — ensuring every bottle that reaches foreign soil still carries the pulse of the African story. The exporting arm of the business is not just logistical — it’s symbolic. Africa, so often seen as a receiver of global culture, is now positioned as a global contributor of excellence, sophistication, and spiritual depth.
With a team that includes Managing Director Sinoxolo Mvunyiswa, international strategist Rosey Tafeni-Almeida, and culinary expert Seeletso Tshireletso Sydwell, the brand is a collective effort — one driven by excellence, innovation, and a powerful sense of Ubuntu.
Why Igugu Le Ntokazi Matters Now
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🌍 It celebrates ancestral traditions like Ukusila in modern, accessible ways.
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🤝 It encourages continental unity through shared cultural memory.
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📈 It builds a global bridge through wine, rooted in authenticity and spirituality.
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💡 It restores a sense of identity and purpose to African luxury and lifestyle brands.
In an era where cultural identity is both contested and commodified, Igugu Le Ntokazi offers something unique: reverence. It does not market wine as indulgence, but as communion — a way to sit at the table with history, heritage, and hope.
A Brand with a Legacy in the Making
“We invite you to join us in creating a legacy that transcends borders,” says Sipendu. Her vision is not simply to grow a business, but to grow a movement. One that uplifts African stories, restores spiritual pride, and promotes sustainability in every step — from grape to glass.
At its core, Igugu Le Ntokazi is a symphony of culture, cuisine, and community. And if the Urban Music Awards 2025 was any indication, the world is ready to listen.
