“Winning these awards is a dream come true,” shared multi-award-winning musician Lwah Ndlunkulu with Daily Sun following her incredible night at the 2024 South African Music Awards (SAMAs). The talented 24-year-old Afro-pop star, known as the “first lady” of Nkabi Records, made waves at this year’s SAMAs, which took place on Saturday, 2 November.
Originally from Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, Lwah Ndlunkulu , whose real name is Lwandile Mtshali, walked away with two prestigious awards. Her debut album, Imizwa, was honoured as Best Afro-Pop Album, and her collaborative track Paris with Mthandeni earned the title of Record of the Year. These victories have cemented her place as one of the rising stars in the Afro-pop genre, celebrated for pushing boundaries and bringing fresh sounds to South African music.
Nominated in several top categories—including Best Music Video for Ngiyeza, Best Female Artist, and Best Newcomer—Lwah Ndlunkulu competed alongside well-known names like Grammy-winner Tyla, Sykes, Blaq Diamond, and Inkabi Zezwe. Known for her powerful hit Ngiyeza, she continues to captivate audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and soulful sound.
Reflecting on her big wins, Lwah Ndlunkulu extended her gratitude to everyone who believed in her. “Imizwa and Paris hold deep personal meaning, and I am extremely grateful to my fans, team, and the SAMAs for believing in my music,” she said. “Thank you for letting me share my story through these songs.”
