Afro-pop sensation Lwah Ndlunkulu, who scooped two awards at the 2nd annual Basadi in Music Awards on Saturday night, does not regret dropping out of school in 2020 to follow her heart.
Born Lwandile Mtshali in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, Lwah Ndlunkulu walked away with Artist of The Year and Song of The Year at an event that took place at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Though the shy and talented singer does not encourage kids to drop out of school to follow their hearts, she is relieved that for her it has yielded positive results.
Speaking to Sowetan on Sunday afternoon, Lwah Ndlunkulu said it still felt surreal for her.
“After winning I went to the bathroom and I felt dizzy because I could not believe this was happening to me. I am happy that I won in the major categories. The competition was tight. Somehow I had hope,” she said.
“Looking back, when I left school doing grade 11 to pursue my music I am pleased. I am not proud of it and will never encourage others to do the same but I would say to people: listen to your heart carefully and understand why it says it will work or not work for you. But I will appeal to parents to understand their kids and be able to spot other talents and support them.”
The Qwabe Twins – Virginia and Viggy Qwabe – also took home two awards for Duo/Collaboration of the Year and Most Streamed Song for their hit song Sobonana.
On the night, Nomfundo Moh’s song Soft Life was declared the highest played song between 2022 and 2023.
Khanyisa Jaceni, who has been collecting awards this year, once again won the SoftnFree Amapiano Artist of The Year while DJ of the Year went to Lady Amar while Holly Rey won Pop Artist of the Year.
Nadia Nakai won Hip-Hop Artist of The Year and Nuzu Deep took home Dance Artist of the Year.
Msaki, who gave an amazing performance, was named the Samro Songwriter of the Year.
Gospel Artist of the Year went to Ntokozo Mbambo. The awards also honoured women from other countries in Africa who walked away with Mosadi in Music in Africa Award.
The recipients included Berita (Zimbabwe), Mpho Sebina (Botswana), Ayra Starr (Nigeria) and Sefa (Ghana).
Lifetime achievements award recipients include Letta Mbulu, Thandeka PJ Powers, and Angelique Kidjo.
Entertainment Journalist of The Year went to Sowetan’s Magazine (SMag) reporter Masego Seemela while Ntombi Ngcobo won Music TV Presenter of the Year.
Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year went to Khutso Theledi.
Phila Tyekana, who produces The Touchdown on Metro FM, won Entertainment Producer of the Year.
Jaceni said she didn’t expect to win.
“I knew that I was nominated against the most talented. I did not think that I stood the chance. But this award means that there are people who are streaming my music and I will be here for people who are here for me.
“This is a voted award and when I pleaded with them they voted and that shows community support of my career. That is more than I can ask, especially from the community where I come from.”
Basadi In Music Awards CEO Hloni Modise-Matau said: “The second Basadi in Music Awards was an incredible success, echoing women’s profound impact in the music and entertainment industry. This event showcased industry creativity and strength while acknowledging the often unnoticed dedication of women behind the scenes.”
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
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