Mbali Ngidi Drops Afro-Soul Hit ‘Emadwaleni’ Featuring Mawhoo and Obiie

‘Rising Afro-soul and Gqom star Mbali Ngidi has returned with a soulful yet dance-driven new single titled “Emadwaleni.” The track beautifully blends heartfelt storytelling, powerful vocals, and vibrant rhythms — a combination that promises to dominate dance floors this festive season and beyond.

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“Emadwaleni,” which translates to “Among the Rocks,” draws from deep spiritual roots, symbolizing love and resilience that thrive even in the toughest conditions. The song captures themes of perseverance, cultural pride, and connection — cementing Mbali’s place as one of South Africa’s most captivating emerging voices.

Mbali, a talented singer-songwriter and theatrical performer, began her musical journey in gospel and even served as a backup vocalist for Dr Rebecca Malope. In a recent interview with OK Mzansi Magazine, Mbali shared insight into her latest release and her creative journey.

1. Congratulations on the release of Emadwaleni! Can you tell us what inspired the song and how the concept of “love among the rocks” came about?

I love love, so most of the time when I get on studio I always want to write about love and I’m also a farm juliya hence the title “Emadwaleni.”

2. The title Emadwaleni has deep spiritual and cultural meaning. What does it personally symbolize to you?

The title “Emadwaleni” personally symbolizes a profound connection to ancestry, healing, community well-being, and a holistic view of health that integrates the spiritual, natural, and human worlds.

3. You’ve collaborated with Mawhoo and Obiie on this track — how did that collaboration come together, and what was it like working with them in studio?

About the collaboration, umalume actually came up with the idea of Mawhoo and I was so excited because I love her, so working with them both (Mawhoo & Obie) was such a great experience, they’re very kind and talented.

4. The song blends Afro-soul, Gqom, and 3-step influences. How did you find the balance between these distinct sounds?

To find the balance that blends Afro-soul, Gqom, and 3-step, you need to focus on integrating the rhythmic identity of these genres with the melodic and atmospheric elements of Afro-soul, while allowing each component enough space to shine.

5. Emadwaleni captures both storytelling and dance-floor energy — how important is it for you to merge emotion with rhythm in your music?

I consider the ability to merge emotion with rhythm in music as a fundamental and instinctive part of artistry. The seamless integration of emotion and rhythm is not just a stylistic choice but a vital expressive tool for allowing myself to tell a complete story and ensure that the music resonates with a wide audience on both a physical (dance-floor energy) and emotional level.

6. The single also drops alongside Shela. How do these two releases complement each other in terms of sound and message?

Shela actually encourages men to do right when approaching a woman, so basically both songs are all about spreading love.

7. You’re known for using Zulu lyricism in your songwriting. How do you approach writing lyrics that are both culturally rooted and modern?

My approach to writing lyrics that are both culturally rooted and modern involves a thoughtful blend of traditional Zulu narrative techniques, language, and values with contemporary musical styles and social commentary. This process ensures authenticity while making the music accessible and relevant to a global, modern audience.

8. What message do you hope listeners take away from Emadwaleni when they hear it for the first time?

I hope that listeners will connect with the song’s storytelling, soulful vocals, and vibrant instrumentation, creating a rhythmic masterpiece that dominates dance floors and lifts spirits during the festive season and beyond. The takeaway is celebration and engagement with the music.

9. Your journey started in gospel, and you’ve even done backup vocals for Dr Rebecca Malope. How has that experience shaped the artist you are today?

Working with different artists doing different genres really helped me knowing my range in terms of my voice and getting to learn to understand people with different characters and obviously getting out of my comfort zone in terms of “music genre” since I love house music! So it really helped me because now I can do any genre, as long as it’s music.

10. How do you think your background in theatre influences the way you perform and interpret your music on stage?

My background in theatre profoundly influences my music by allowing me to approach each song not just as a musical piece, but as a mini-production or story that needs to be told.

11. Collaboration seems central to your creative process — what do you look for in artists you choose to work with?

I choose “ubuntu” more than ithalente, a person who respects people no matter how big or small they are.

12. How would you describe your evolution from your early releases to this current sound on Emadwaleni?

All I can say is that I came from 50% to 100%.

13. The festive season is around the corner — what makes Emadwaleni the perfect anthem for summer 2025?

“Emadwaleni,” the new single by Mbali Ngidi featuring Mawhoo and Obiie, is positioned to be the perfect anthem for summer 2025 due to its vibrant fusion of genres, soulful storytelling, and an infectious rhythm designed to dominate dance floors.