Njabulo Mthunzi Ndimande, known by the stage name of Mthunzi is a South African singer-songwriter and music producer.

Life and career

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Mthunzi was born and raised in Hammersdale, KwaZulu-Natal. His father was a singer and guitarist.

He developed musical interest at an early age and began recording in 2008 posting his work on SoundCloud.

In February 2019, he relocated to Johannesburg, after he was invited by Sun-El Musician to work on music.[1]

His debut studio album Selimathunzi, was released on 24 January 2020.[2] Produced by Sun-El Musician, Claudio × Kenza and Mthunzi himself resulted to a afro-pop record with elements of maskandi, house, and rnb.[2][3] It was supported by three singles; "Vuka", "Ngibambe La", "Selimathunzi".

It earned him his first nomination for Best Afro Pop Album at the 26th ceremony of South African Music Awards.[4]

Their studio extended play Isimo with Kabza De Small, was released on 27 October 2023.[5][6]

At the 18th ceremony of Metro FM Music Awards received the most nominations and won Song of the Year, Best Produced Album, Best Amapiano.[7][8]

In July 2023, he appeared on a collaboration "Kabza Chant" by Kabza De Small featuring Mthunzi, Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, Murumba Pitch, Mashudu, Anzo, Nokwazi and T-Man Xress. The song debuted No. 1 on Local Streaming Chart Top 10 by The Official South African Charts.[9]

Singles

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List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Sphesihle" (Thabsie featuring Mthunzi) 2019 Non-album single
"Bazokhuluma" (Kelly Khumalo featuring Zakwe and Mthunzi) 2022 From a God to a King
"eGoli" (Jessica LM featuring Mthunzi and DJ Khyber) 2023 Non-album single
"Kabza Chant" (Kabza De Small featuring Mthunzi, Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, Murumba Pitch, Mashudu, Anzo, Nokwazi and T-Man Xpress) 2024 1[10] Non-album single
"EBALENI" (James Hadi featuring Mthunzi) Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted and certified songs

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List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Imithandazo" (Kabza De Small, Mthunzi featuring Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush) 2023 1[11] Isimo
"Amazwe" (Kabza De Small featuring MaWhoo) 7[12]
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Discography

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Studio albums

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  • Selimathunzi (2020)

Collaborative albums

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  • Isimo (with Kabza De Small) (2023)

Guest appearances

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Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Mamela" 2019 Sino Msolo Mamela
"Ngiyahamba" 2020 Simmy Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars)
"Goduka" Sun-El Musician, Ami Faku To the World & Beyond
"Amasosha" Sun-EL Musician, Sino Msolo
"Give Me Light" S-Tone Mbabane
"Vroom Vroom"
"Amaphara" Claudio × Kenza, Sino Msolo Circles of Life
"Kumnyama" 2021 Zakes Bantwini Ghetto King
"K' Shubile" 2022 DJ, Vitoto Dee Cee Afro Nation
"Phambili" 2023 Claudio Wade Winds & Waves
"Moja" Darque More Life

Achievements

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Metro FM Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2024 "Imithandazo" Song of the Year Won [13][14]
Best Collaboration Won
Best Amapiano Won
Isimo Best Produced Album Won

South African Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2020 Selimathunzi Best Afro Pop Album Nominated [15]

References

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  1. ^ Matlala, Keamogetswe (2 May 2024). "PROFILE | Mthunzi mulling next move after Imithandazo's four gongs". Drum. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  2. ^ a b "Mthunzi Releases His Debut Album titled "SELIMATHUNZI"". raptype magazine. 2020-01-24. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  3. ^ "Mthunzi Releases His Debut Album". DStv. 2020-01-30. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  4. ^ Ciolfi, Tecla (2020-07-16). "HERE'S YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE SAMAS FULL LIST OF NOMINEES FOR THIS YEAR'S SAMA26 #FORTHAKULTCHA". Texx and the City. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  5. ^ Moloi, Atlehang (2023-10-27). "Kabza De Small & Mthunzi's Joint EP 'Isimo' Features Young Stunna, MaWhoo, Sizwe Alakine, DJ Maphorisa + More". Slikouronlife On Life. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  6. ^ Langa, Phumlani S (1 November 2023). "Mthunzi brings his maskandi influence into his new song with Kabza De Small". Daily SUN. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  7. ^ Hohip, Chante (2024-04-29). "Kabza De Small, Mthunzi win big at Metro FM Awards". South Africa: Eye Witness News. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  8. ^ Lesemane, Lineo (2024-04-29). "WATCH: Mthunzi's 'Imithandazo' sweeps Metro FM Music Awards 2024". The Citizen. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  9. ^ "TOP CHARTS THIS WEEK : Local Streaming". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  10. ^ Mukotekwa, Leeroy (2024-06-09). "'Amapiano King': Kabza De Small's 'Chant' makes history". The South African. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  11. ^ "Amapiano Anthems Dominate Charts with Imithandazo Securing its Reign". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  12. ^ "Local Streaming Chart Top 10". The Official South African Charts. 2024-07-05. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  13. ^ "FULL LIST | Kabza De Small, Mthunzi win big at Metro FM Music Awards". TimesLIVE. 29 April 2024.
  14. ^ Gaanakgomo, Constance (28 April 2024). "Mthunzi bags 4 Metro FM Music Awards and R300k". South Africa: News24. Retrieved 2024-06-30.
  15. ^ "SAMA26 nominations unearth fresh new gems". DStv. Retrieved 2024-06-30.