As I begin our conversation with a nervous ‘hello, hi?’, a gentle ‘Hi, how are you?’ immediately puts me at ease. Even in her gentleness there is a slight reservation in her voice. A reservation that melts away as we meet each other. uLwah Ndlunkulu is generous with her being and during our conversation, she softens and invites me into her blossoming world. 

Ndlunkulu, whose actual name is Lwandile Mtshali, is a Joburg-based Afro-pop sensation whose star is on the rise. Her debut album, Imizwa, earned her four nods from the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

Best Music Video for her single Ngiyeza, Best Afro Pop Album for Imizwa, Best Female Artist, and Best Newcomer. Nominations in categories with immense talent and fierce competition. 

The multi-platinum artist wears her name uNdlunkulu (Queen Mother) with great pride. A name she has carried from childhood. She pointedly reminds me that she is the first woman to sign to Nkabi Records. The label is founded and owned by Hip-Hop artist Big Zulu. 

uNdlunkulu, who was raised eHluhluwe, in KwaZulu-Natal, has warm memories of her childhood. “Growing up, there were a lot of us at home, so there was a lot of love and protection for each other. We raised and supported each other as children. Also, the fact that we were raised by our grandparents, you know how that is.” 

Today you will likely find Ndlunkulu touring the country serenading her fans. But, she does not forget home. Speaking of visiting her grandparents, her voice reveals a soft yearning and love. 

Ndlunkulu’s journey from her grandparents home to the SAMAs began at the tender age of 7 in a community hall eHluhluwe. It was in those early primary school days, that she had her first public performance. She recalls the experience as “amazing!” declaring that she “really loved it”. She pauses a moment and stifles a chuckle at the feedback she got. “They told me I was shy. After that, I was like, see me acting shy on stage, shoot me.” 

This conviction and boldness led to the release of her first single, Ubambolwami. The single, which was well-received and charted on Ukhozi FM’s Hip-Hop show for 4 weeks, secured her a life-changing interview that further fueled her ambitions to share her sound with the world. Though the song was a hit on national radio, she still wanted a prime-time slot in the lives of South Africans. 

She says, now, with a smile, “The kids love me, every time I see parents at my gigs, they ask to take pictures with me saying ‘My child loves you’”. Chuckling she adds, “It’s never them saying I love you.” 

Her commitment and self-determination have earned her SAMA nominations and won her the Artist of the Year at the 2023 Basadi in Music Awards. This is alongside many other awards and nominations. All these accomplishments have grown her fan base and solidified her position in the rich Afro-pop genre. 

I take a moment to honour these awards and the recognition they’ve brought. But she shifts the focus away from herself without hesitation. Instead, she thanks God, her fans and everyone who supported her journey. She speaks of these nominations and awards as answered prayers. 

“It brings me great joy. I actually can’t believe it. Ngi vele ng’phelelwe amandla when such things happen. ‘God, I know I asked you to bless me, but this is above and beyond’. For me, it always comes as a shock and a big surprise. I’m happy and I highly appreciate my fans!” 

Though uNdlunkulu is shocked, her fans are certainly not. On their way to this latest round of nominations, Ngiyeza and Ithuba, songs from Imizwa, went platinum while amassing millions of YouTube streams. 

Continuing in gratitude, she emphasises the need for collaboration and community. Xolani Shabalala’s contributions as the producer of the album are especially acknowledged as Ndlunkulu takes a moment to ensure I have his name. 

“I really appreciate my team, because in all honesty it’s never worked out for an artist who wanted to go solo (alone). I’m not saying people mustn’t be their own bosses. But even if you are the boss, you need a team.” 

She chuckles dryly, mentioning how unbelievable it is that she has received a nomination in the same category as her boss, Big Zulu. Both artists were nominated for the illustrious Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year. 

Her humility, though, is not self-deprecating. Like the crown poised on the Queen Mother, it is balanced with that hard-earned self-belief. “I respect him very much. I believe in my work, and a win is a win.”

Winding down, Ndlunkulu adds, “What I want to say about this album is that I want it to continue touching people’s hearts. For people who don’t understand it, listen more intently. This album has love, it has warmth, it is life-giving, and you can really relate if you listen to it.” 

Fans can experience this musical journey live at the next Day Picnic with Lwah Ndlunkulu. An afternoon of music and family for fans young and old to share in the stories of Imizwa. Followers of the music can find more information on Ndlunkulu’s social media. 

She concludes with a reminder to stay true, to stay bold, and to stay in belief. 

“Believe in yourself! Because if you believe in yourself, the people around you will believe in you. And all the desires of your heart will come true. Only if you believe in yourself and only if you are humble enough. Be humble, work hard, and believe in yourself!”

Ndlunkulu, like her music, has a warm and generous spirit. It flows through the conversation in chuckles, pauses, and a refreshing self-belief. And it is felt just as vibrantly through the phone. I feel gratitude, warmth, generosity, and humility when I think of Lwah Ndlunkulu, the Queen Mother and First Lady of Nkabi Records, and now a SAMA nominee. 

*Sections of the quotes are translated from isiZulu to English.

Nounouche Contributor: Toby iMpendulo kaNgomane