Nelly Noll seals SA Kopton Music partnership

Afro-soul artist Nelly Noll has joined South Africa’s Kopton Music in a partnership aimed at expanding her music into global screen placements.

The Ntamakuphila-born singer, real name Nolwethu Nelisiwe Mkhatshwa, becomes the second major signing for Kopton Music in 2026, marking a key milestone for the local creative as she enters the global digital music economy.

The partnership positions her music for placement in film, television, advertising and gaming through sync licensing.

Originally from Siteki, Nelly Noll has steadily built her profile since her 2023 debut, rising from the MTN Bushfire Firefly Top 10 to establishing herself as a commercially viable solo artist.

Her growing catalogue includes the 2024 singles ‘Deeper’ and ‘Timbali’, as well as her 2025 EP ‘Mkhatshwa’, which blends local cultural elements with contemporary R&B and afro-soul.

“I am honoured to be part of Kopton Music. Being associated with a company that focuses on sync licensing and publishing gives me confidence that my music can reach visual media platforms worldwide,” Nelly Noll said.

She added that the partnership would allow her to diversify beyond streaming and live performances while opening doors to international audiences through screen placements.

“It feels amazing to be part of a team that believes in my artistry and supports me in sharing my music beyond traditional boundaries,” she said.

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Nelly Noll first met Kopton Music founder Nikilitha Mantungwa last year during a workshop at the American Corner in the Manzini Library.

She confirmed that the partnership, announced on Monday, would run for two years.

Beyond music, she is investing in her academic growth and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Business Administration at Regent Business School, a move she says supports her long-term brand development.

Kopton Music is a South Africa-based music licensing, publishing, supervision and consulting agency representing independent artists and composers across Southern Africa.

Branded as ‘The Home of Sound’, the agency specialises in placing music in film, television, advertising and gaming, with credits including Shaka iLembe on DStv, The Wife on Showmax, as well as Blood and Water on Netflix and campaigns for Weetbix, MTN and Astron Energy.