Major Bless Iskhokho: Rising from Nyanga East with Rhythm and Resilience

Meet Major Bless Iskhokho — real name Sibusiso Domingos Dunga — a rising artist and music producer from Nyanga East, Cape Town, whose life and sound are rooted in perseverance, purpose, and the power of music.

His journey began in high school, where he led a championship-winning choir and discovered his passion for performance. After matriculating in 2020, he faced financial hardships that might have silenced many dreams. But for Major Bless, music became a lifeline.

Enrolling at Northlink College, he immersed himself in a vibrant community of creatives. There, he built a home studio and independently released his debut EP, Leo Living Legend — a raw and resonant body of work that caught attention on social media and beyond.

Life, however, was not without obstacles. Becoming a young father, struggling with job instability, and navigating moments of deep personal hardship could have derailed his progress. Yet, music remained his anchor. A pivotal performance in 2023 at the District Six Museum reignited his belief in his calling and marked a turning point in his journey.

Major Bless’s sound is rooted in lived experience, spiritual conviction, and a deep desire to uplift. His lyrics reflect stories of survival, growth, and unwavering hope — themes that resonate far beyond the studio.

Watch the Journey:
This short film captures Major Bless’s powerful experience in the Beyond Busking Project — from the first audition to the deep creative immersion that followed. Through the program, he received practical and professional training in:

Songwriting

Vocal Performance

Guitar Mastery

Musical Arrangement

Professional Studio Production

Personal Development

Major Bless shares how each workshop helped him hone his craft and reconnect with his purpose. With guidance from seasoned mentors, he transformed raw talent into refined artistry.
Producer Jonny Blundell reflects on the emotional depth of his story, while vocal coach Abigail Petersen highlights his energy, enthusiasm, and tireless work ethic.

New Release: “Can’t Go Back” – Out Friday, 13 June 2025

Written and composed by Major Bless Iskhokho, “Can’t Go Back” is a bold declaration of growth and self-belief. The single blends soul, rhythm, and storytelling — a reflection of everything he’s overcome and where he’s headed next.

Featuring:

– Lead Vocals – Major Bless Iskhokho

– Backing Vocals – Francesca Biancoli

– Drums – Kevin Gibson

– Bass – Nick Williams

– Keyboards – Blake Hellaby

– Guitars – Jonny Blundell

– Recording Engineer – Andrew Rawbone Viljoen

– Mixed & Mastered – Vicente Espi

– Arrangement & Production – Jonny Blundell

– Studios – Digital Forest & Rootspring Studios

Pre-save now: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/maj…
Follow Major Bless for updates:

– Instagram: @majorblessiskhokho

– Facebook: @MajorBlessRSA

Acknowledgements :

The Cape Town Arts Festival extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible mentors and collaborators who helped shape Major Bless’s journey through Beyond Busking:

Clive Ridgway – Songwriting Mentor

Abigail Petersen – Vocal Coach

Bradley Prince – Guitar Mentor

Fatima Dike – Personal Development

Lynne Holmes – Programme Director, Beyond Busking

About the Beyond Busking Project

The Beyond Busking Project 2024/2025 is a bold, creative initiative by the Cape Town Arts Festival together with Ariva Arts Foundation, designed to empower street performers and emerging artists through training, mentorship, and professional exposure.

Proudly funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP5), the project stands as a testament to the transformative power of the arts.

Filmed and edited by Nur Felix Film Production