BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Talent at its finest!
Not only is she a singer, song writer, actress, and MC, but she is also a brand ambassador for one of the colleges in Eswatini. She goes by the name Nomalungelo Dladla.
She recently released her latest project, titled Beketela and visuals. From the success of her global hit titled Imiyalo to performing for royalty and former South African president Jacab Zuma at the Union Buildings to gracing TV screens, as well as her music getting airplay on major SA radio stations.
She has collaborated with SA Ringo Madlingozi and SAMA 18 winner Tresor, among others. She is also a Board Member of the Eswatini Youth Council and Brand Ambassador of the Institute of Development Management (IDM) and is pursuing her degree in Business Accounting.
We caught up with her, and this is what she had to say.
Who did you work with on your latest project?
“Beketela” was produced by SubJams, mastered by Big Dreams, and written by me.
What inspired the song?
The concept of love being patient and the societal challenges we face in embracing patience in our era inspired “Beketela.”
Who shot the visuals shot and where?
The visuals for “Beketela” were shot at Jusbon Property Holdings’ beautiful rental apartments. Photography was done by Shaka Makhanya at his new studios, and video production was handled by Luyanda Motsa.
What’s next after this project?
Following “Beketela,” I’ll be dropping another single closer to Easter weekend.
When did you fall in love with music?
I fell in love with music when I was still a child, writing songs on the back of my textbooks and creating a unique musical journey.
Who is your favourite artist, both locally and globally?
Locally, there are many talented artists, and I appreciate them all. Globally, I admire Sauti Sol, Somi, Burna Boy, and Tems.
What would be the best advice for anyone venturing into music?
In the words of Tracy Chapman, “Art needs no consensus.” Do it for your love, and you’ll persevere regardless of the circumstances.
Whom would you still like to work with, and why?
I’d like to collaborate with Kwesta, Ziyawa, Velemseni, and Siyincaba for the unique perspectives they bring to the music scene.
Names of previous albums
My previous album, “Lilungelo Lami,” featured songs like “Imiyalo,” “Gwayimane,” “Deep,” “Bambelela,” “Ungewami,” “Away,” “Ngimtfolile,” “Vulemnyango,” “Tsatsubone,” “Snazo,” “Sthandwa Sam,” and many more.
How is the competition in the industry?
I don’t see it as competition with others; my focus is on surpassing who I was when I dropped my last project. It’s a personal journey of growth and improvement.
Who have you collaborated with before?
Notable c o l l a b o r a t o r s i n c l u d e p r o d u c e r M’j a l e f a,t h e la t e ni c o n i c p r o d u c e r R o b b i e M a l i n g a, D J S b u, local a w a r d – w i n n i n g p r o d u c e r Muzi N g w e n y a (Muti), and many more.
Which shows have you been on before?
H i g h f i e l d
S e l i m a t h u n z i
L i v e
K i d s N e w s
M o r n i n g L i v e
H e c t i c 9
S o w e t o T V
S w a z i T V
You most memorable performances?
Gauteng g Sports Award s 2013(broadcast ted live nationally with a viewership of over 49 million people.
Performance for His Majesty King Mswati III at the royal palace.
Performance at the Union Building for former South African President Jacob Zuma and diplomats.
