Yolanda “Yallunder” Nyembezi was known for her radiant smile and captivating stage presence. Born in the Eastern Cape, Yallunder emerged as one of South Africa’s brightest musical talents.
Today, the Amapiano community is mourning her untimely passing at the age of 30, following a months-long illness that she bravely battled. In honoring her memory, we reflect on her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved vocalist who left an indelible mark on the Amapiano scene.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Yolanda Nyembezi was born on 23 August 1994 in Bizana, a small town in the Eastern Cape. Music was woven into her life from an early age. She pursued formal music education, becoming a classically trained vocalist and graduating cum laude in vocal pedagogy at the Tshwane University of Technology in 2017. Armed with this technical skill, she worked with the Gauteng Opera in 2018 to further refine her craft. That same year, she recorded a soulful cover of Black Coffee’s song “Buya” that caught the attention of music fans (and even the star DJ himself) – an early sign of how captivating her voice was. This rich musical foundation – blending classical training and African roots – would later set Yallunder apart in the contemporary music industry.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Yallunder’s break came when award-winning singer Sjava took her under his wing. He signed her to his record label, 1020 Cartel, kicking off her professional career. In 2020, she featured on the label’s compilation album iSambulo, where her enchanting voice shone on tracks like “Ndinovalo”.
That same year, she released her debut EP, Uthando Lwam, which showcased her soulful sound and storytelling ability. The project was well-received – it even earned Yallunder a nomination for Best IsiXhosa Artist/Group at the South African Traditional Music Awards, highlighting how she stayed true to her roots. The EP included collaborations with her mentor Sjava, among others, and solidified her reputation as a rising star. Yallunder quickly gained wider recognition – she even earned a Best Newcomer of the Year award in 2021 for her impressive debut.
Career Highlights and Amapiano Hits
As her career progressed, Yallunder began making waves in the Amapiano genre, collaborating with some of its biggest producers and DJs. She worked with industry heavyweights like Kabza De Small and Kelvin Momo, lending her soulful touch to their infectious beats. On Kabza’s track “Bawo,” for example, her heartfelt vocals gave the song a gospel-like depth. With Kelvin Momo, she delivered stunning vocals on songs such as “Uku Khanya,” “Langa’elihle” – which garnered over 5 million streams – and “Intyatyambo,” all of which became fan favorites in 2023.
By 2023, she had proven herself not just as a collaborator but as a formidable solo artist with the release of her own album Kum and the launch of her label.
Notable Songs and Projects:
- “Ndinovalo” (2020) – Yallunder’s breakout song from the iSambulo project that introduced her soulful sound.
- Uthando Lwam EP (2020) – Her debut EP, blending Afro-soul storytelling with contemporary production.
- “Bawo” (2022) – A collaboration with Kabza De Small that bridged gospel and Amapiano influences
- “Langa’elihle” (2023) – A chart-topping Amapiano single with Kelvin Momo and Babalwa M, streamed over 5 million times.
- Kum (2023) – Yallunder’s first full-length album, released on her own label and showcasing her growth as an artist.
Impact on the Amapiano Genre
Yallunder helped shape the sound of Amapiano by infusing it with heart and depth. The genre, known for its catchy piano melodies and danceable beats, was elevated by her rich, emotive vocals. She brought a storytelling element to Amapiano tracks, proving that the music could be as healing and soulful as it is groovy. Many in the industry described her as a “storyteller and a healer through music” because of the emotional honesty she conveyed in her songs.
Singing in both English and isiXhosa, she proudly wove her cultural heritage into modern beats, inspiring other artists to incorporate more soulful lyrics and local languages into the genre. Her vocal performances could transform a catchy track into a timeless anthem, and she earned immense respect from her peers for this ability.
Her success proved that listeners were eager for vocal-driven Amapiano hits, encouraging more singers – especially women – to take center stage in a genre once dominated by DJs.
Tributes from Artists and Fans
News of Yallunder’s passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists, producers, and devoted fans. On social media, heartfelt messages poured in celebrating her life and talent. One fan thanked her for sharing her gift, saying her voice and spirit “will live on forever.”. Another wrote that Yallunder’s incredible voice and soulful music “touched so many hearts” and that her legacy “will never be forgotten.”
A devastated supporter echoed these feelings, writing, “This one definitely broke my heart… Your gift was a gift to us all. Rest well, Queen.”
These messages reflect the profound connection she made with listeners.
Peers in the music industry also shared their condolences. Members of the Amapiano community, from DJs to vocalists, noted how Yallunder’s presence had elevated their work and how her absence leaves a void that will be hard to fill. Many recalled her professionalism, kindness, and the goosebumps they felt hearing her in the studio or on stage. Sjava, who helped launch her career, and other prominent musicians expressed heartbreak at the loss of such a gifted soul.
The hashtag #RIPYallunder trended on social platforms as people far and wide shared memories and their favorite Yallunder songs in her honor. It’s clear that Yallunder was not only admired for her talent but also loved for her warm personality.
Notable Performances and Moments
Yallunder was a mesmerizing performer who created unforgettable moments on stage. One of her early highlights was performing at Black Coffee’s Music is King concert, where she held her own alongside legendary singers and introduced herself to a broader audience. She also graced the stage at Sjava’s sold-out One Night with Sjava shows at venues like the Sun Arena in Pretoria and the Durban ICC. In those large arenas, her powerful vocals gave audiences chills – whether she was performing “Ndinovalo” or harmonizing with Sjava on a ballad, she left a lasting impression.
In the Amapiano scene, Yallunder often surprised fans by appearing during DJ sets to perform hits like “Langa’elihle” live. Her energy and emotion on stage could elevate a club set into a spiritual experience, engaging crowds in sing-alongs and spontaneous dance. Whether under the bright lights of a big festival or in an intimate acoustic session, Yallunder’s stage presence was magnetic. She had a natural ability to connect with her audience – often smiling as she sang, completely immersed in the music. Those who saw her live describe her performances as soul-stirring and authentic.
Legacy and Remembrance
Though her life was cut short, Yallunder’s legacy lives on through the music and joy she gave to the world. In just a few years, she made an impact that artists with decades in the industry would envy – she enriched a genre and touched countless lives. Her family’s statement spoke of the “unimaginable void” her passing left, but also the comfort in knowing that her music and the love she poured into the world will live on forever.
Many are revisiting her catalogue, finding comfort and joy in the songs she left behind – a way to keep her spirit alive through sound. Fans will continue to find solace and inspiration in songs like “Ndinovalo” and “Langa’elihle,” and future Amapiano vocalists will build on the path she paved.
Yolanda “Yallunder” Nyembezi will be remembered as a rare talent – “a soul so rare and a voice so rich”
– who brought something profoundly special to South African music. She even won a South African Music Award in her career, underscoring how widely her talent was respected. She showed that Amapiano could have a heart and soul, not just a beat. Her courage to blend genres and sing from the heart has set an example for young artists to follow. As one tribute simply put it, “Voices fade, but legends echo forever.”
Yallunder’s echo will indeed carry on. Every time an Amapiano track swells with soulful vocals or a crowd sings along to one of her choruses, her spirit is right there in the groove. Rest in power, Yallunder – your voice continues to light up the world, and your memory will forever be treasured.
