Lwah Ndlunkulu

Lwandile Mtshali, professionally known as Lwah Ndlunkulu or Lwah The Ndlunkulu is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, having signed a record deal with Nkabi Records released her debut single "Ithuba", which became her first biggest song and certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Career Lwandile Mtshali was born and raised in Hluhluwe, she relocated to Johannesburg, Gauteng to her mother's house while she was studying Grade 11 in 2020. She got a job at Hillbrow Radio Station as a radio presenter prior working at a club situated at Maboneng. While she was working at the club she met music producer Celza and invited her to visit Nkabi Records prior signing a record deal. Lwah signed a record deal and made her debut on Big Zulu's single "Umuzi eSandton" which appeared on Ichwane Lenyoka. The song reached number 1 in South Africa . "Home" featuring Sjava was released 2021.

Lwah appeared on a joint album of Nkabi Records Inkabi Nation alongside Xowla, Siya Ntuli, Big Zulu and Mduduzi released 2022.

Lwah gained global prominence after her breakthrough debut single "Ithuba" featuring Siya Ntuli was released August 2022. The song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

"Ngiyeza" was released on January 20, 2023. It reached number #2, #4, #5, #9 iTune Charts, Shazam, Apple Music and Spotify respectively within the first week of release. It reached Platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa.

Lwah leads the nominees with 4 nominations for Song of the Year, Afro Pop Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year at 2023 Basadi in Music Awards.

Ndlunkulu announced her debut studio album Imizwa, on November 13, 2023. The album was released on November 24.

Upon its release it debuted number one on Spotify's Top Albums Charts, and amassed two million streams on Spotify, 10 days after its release.

2026-present: Isithembu Towards the end of August 2026, Lwah and MaWhoo announced themselves as Zulu Queens duo, are set to release their studio album Isithembu, on August 28, 2026. "Distance" featuring Feza was released on August 19, as albums lead single.

Singles As lead artist + List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumZA "Home" (featuring Sjava) 2021 — "Ithuba" (featuring Siya Ntuli) 2022 — RiSA: Platinum Imizwa "Ngiyeza" 2023 1 RiSA: Platinum "Eyami" — "Ngikhathazekile" (Bongo Beats, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Khethi) — "Imizwa" (Tony Dayimane, Lwah Ndlunkulu) 2025 — "Mnakwethu"—Platinum Amaciko "Nembeza" (Lwah Ndlunkulu featuring MaWhoo)— Platinum "Allowance" (Starr Healer, Lwah Ndlunkulu) — Platinum "Ngisayogana" (Starr Healer, Lwah Ndlunkulu) 2026— "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

As featured artist + List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumZA "Paris" (Mthandeni SK featuring Lwah Ndlunkulu)2023 — RiSA: Multi-Platinum "Umsindo we Nhliziyo" (Xowla featuring Lwah Ndlunkulu) 2024 — "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted and certified songs + List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumZA"Maye" (Lwah Ndlunkulu featuring Dr. Buselaphi) 2023—Gold Imizwa"Notification" (featuring Big Zulu) —Gold "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Discography Studio albums Imizwa (2023) Amaciko (2025)

Guest appearances TitleYearOther artist(s)Album"Mushonga" 2023 MakhadziMbofholowo"Cela Skhulume" DJ TiraMalume Way"Ntombo"2024Blaq Diamond Zulu Romance

Achievements

Basadi in Music Awards

"Ithuba" featuring Siya Ntuli Song of the Year

Afro Pop Artist of the Year Artist of the Year

Music Video of the Year

Artist of the Year

Afro Pop Artist of the Year Song of the Year

Music Video of the Year

Capasso Most Streamed Song

Song of the Year

Afro Pop Artist of the Year 2026

Best Collaboration of the Year Metro FM Awards

Artist of the Year

Best Female

Best African Pop

Best Produced Album

Best Female Artist

Best African Pop South African Hip Hop Awards

Song of the Year

Best Collabo South African Music Awards

Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year

RAV Music Video of the Year

Newcomer of the Year

Female Artist of the Year Best Afro Pop Album Urban Music Awards

Artist of the Year

Best Female Act Best Newcomer Best Afro Pop Act