Yallunder
South African singer-songwriter (1994–2025)
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Yolanda Nyembezi (23 August 1994 – 13 March 2025), professionally known as Yallunder, was a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Bizana, Nyembezi signed her first record deal with 1020 Cartel, released her EP Uthando Lwam in 2020.
23 August 1994
Yallunder | |
|---|---|
| Born | Yolanda Nyembezi 23 August 1994 Mbizana, South Africa |
| Died | 13 March 2025 (aged 30) Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Alma mater | Tshwane University of Technology |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Afro-soul |
| Occupations |
|
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2018–2025 |
| Labels |
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Life and career
Yolanda Nyembezi was born on 23 August 1994 in the village of Sea View in Mbizana (now Bizana), Eastern Cape.[1][2]
Yallunder attended Nongeke S.S.S where she matriculated. In 2016, she graduated at Tshwane University of Technology.[3][4] That same year, Yallunder began recording cover songs.[5]
In February 2018, Nyembezi covered "Buya" by Black Coffee released off Piece of Me (2015).[6]
After her graduation she joined Gauteng Opera,[7] later she met Sjava who signed her to 1020 Cartel,[7] she has co-written and also featured on the compilation Isambulo which was released on 28 August 2020.[8][9] Her first project Uthando Lwam was released in November 2020.[10][11] At the 15th ceremony of South African Traditional Music Awards, her song "Impilo Iyaqhubeka" was nominated for Best IsiXhosa Artist/Group.[12]
In August 2021, she established her show Truth, which premiered on Locaflix.[7]
In early May 2022, she signed a record deal with The Vth Season,[13][14] and released her single "Emaphupheni Am", on 6 May. In early June 2023, Yallunder established her own record label Masani Music. That same month she announced her debut studio album Kum, released on 4 August 2023. Its lead single "11:11 Makukhanye" was released on 9 June 2023.
Yallunder released "Imali", featuring Mpho.Wav and Kenza on 26 October 2023.
Yallunder died at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, on 13 March 2025, at the age of 30.[15]
Discography
Studio albums
- Kum (2023)
Collaborative albums
- iSambulo (2020)
Extended plays
- Uthando Lwam (2020)
Guest appearances
| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Inhliziyo" | 2020 | Nue_Sam | iSambulo |
| "Abanjani" | Mzukulu, Anzo | ||
| "Ndinovalo" | |||
| "Bawo" | 2022 | Kabza De Small, Nobuhle | KOA II Part 1 |
| "Ukukhanya" | 2023 | Kelvin Momo, Stixx | Kurhula |
| "Imvuselelo" | 2024 | Kelvin Momo, Thamie Sax | Sewe |
| "Themba" | Kelvin Momo, Mkeyz | ||
| "Lang'elihle" | Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M, Sia Mzizi | ||
| "Mthuthuzeli" | Babalwa M | Candour | |
| "Intyantyambo" | Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M | Ntsako |
Achievements
City Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Herself | Best Newcomer of the Year | Won |
South African Dance Music Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Herself | Best Female Vocalist | Pending |
South African Traditional Music Awards
South African Music Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | "Ndinovalo" (Mörda, Yallunder) | Remix of the Year | Won |