Artists

A multi-award-winning storyteller, singer-songwriter, poet, TV presenter, and founder & director of the Folklore Festival. Pilani is a creative force who brings heritage and innovation together through her art.

Pilani has graced global stages, having traveled to over 19 countries, captivating audiences with her enchanting melodies, astonishing vibrato, and meaningful lyrics. Her music is a vibrant fusion of jazz, folk, and soul — interwoven with poetry and spoken word — showcasing her versatile artistry. She shines through with purposeful spunk and a pure, angelic voice that resonates with clarity and deep intentionality.

She has independently produced, released, and toured eight albums, with storytelling narratives that take listeners on extraordinary and original journeys through her lived experience. Her musical influences span from roots, folk, and jazz artists like Tracy Chapman and Nina Simone, to African folk-soul legends such as Letta Mbuli, Busi Mhlongo, Brenda Fassie, and Miriam Makeba.

In her early years, she performed in school and university ensembles and choirs, and was awarded Valedictorian for music at the end of her high school career. Her commendable artistry and musicality have garnered significant recognition, including: Best African Adult Contemporary Album at the South African Music Awards (2020) for Folklore Chapter 1, Two Loeries Bronze Awards in 2021 and 2022 and A nomination for Best International Jazz Collaboration at the 9th Mzantsi Jazz Awards for Nay’indaba (results pending)

Pilani is also a passionate collaborator. She brought Maya Angelou’s profound poetry to life in her transcendent song "Hopes Springing High, Still I Rise." She also signed two Netflix sync deals for her songs "Ufuna Bani" and "Abantwana," in collaboration with Afronautiq (Kenya) and Blick Bassy (Cameroon).