By BAKANG MOKOTO
6 September 2025- Afro-Soul newcomer Kwanda Mahlombe, better known as KWANDA, first captured national attention as a Top 16 finalist on Idols South Africa. Today, he cements his artistry with the release of his emotive single Ndizokunika (feat. WalkMaTall) — a tender love letter in melody that is fast resonating with audiences across South Africa and beyond.
Born in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, KWANDA’s journey began in school Arts and Culture classes, where he discovered his voice alongside the keyboard. His raw talent soon propelled him from community stages to national television, where his stirring performances on Idols SA made him a household name.
Now signed under Nova Sounds, guided by acclaimed musician Vusi Nova, KWANDA is shaping a future rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and Afro-Soul excellence.
“For me, Ndizokunika is more than just a song — it’s my vow to give all of myself to the one I love. Whether big or small, what matters is that it comes from the heart. This single reflects my truth: love is not measured by possessions, but by how deeply you are willing to give of yourself,” said KWANDA.
Nova Sounds founder and mentor Vusi Nova said KWANDA’s star quality was evident from the beginning. Nova said when he first heard him sing, he knew he was special.
“His voice is powerful yet tender, and his artistry carries a rare authenticity. Ndizokunika is a shining example of what he has to offer the world. Featuring WalkMaTall, the track pairs soulful guitars and delicate keys with lyrics that speak directly to the human heart. It is an honest, stripped-down approach that highlights the purity of KWANDA’s artistry.
“Looking beyond his debut single, KWANDA is building a brand that blends music with creativity across disciplines. A self-taught instrumentalist with a background in software engineering, he is moving into production, mixing and mastering, and piano instruction,” he said.
Nova also envisions extending the KWANDA brand into fashion — crafting a unique blend of music, identity, and design.
“As an artist, I want to inspire people not just with music, but with creativity in every form,” KWANDA explains. “Ndizokunika is just the beginning of what I hope will be a journey that touches lives and encourages others to live and love authentically,” he said.
The Guardian 