Lindokuhle Mgedeza (born 7 October 1995), known professionally as Mlindo the Vocalist, is a South African singer and songwriter. He initially gained notable recognition following his debut single, "Amablesser", taken from his debut album, Emakhaya (2018).[1]
Mlindo the Vocalist | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Lindokuhle Mgedeza |
| Born | 7 October 1995 Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Labels |
|
Life and career
edit1995–2016: Early life and beginnings
editLindokuhle Magedeza was born in the year 1995 in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal. At the age of four, he became part of a local church where he discovered his vocal skills. Mlindo attended the Phathwa High School in Gcilima, a borough of Margate.[2]
As he considered starting a musical career, Mlindo later went to Eastern Cape where he joined a hip hop group Flow Riders in 2010. He mainly took part in vocals.[3] In 2014, he established an a cappella group White Bread, after his departure on Flow Riders. White Bread was a success as they won several accolades, including Search for the Stars, held in uShaka Marine World, Durban.[4] In 2017, he won a talent competition Golden Search in Richards Bay, which gave him an opportunity to work with record label Afrotainment, owned by producer DJ Tira.[5] At this year, Mlindo the vocalist was a social media sensation as he uploaded videos covering popular songs. The notable video of him covering a stripped-down version of DJ Maphorisa song "Midnight Starring" went viral.[6] After being discovered by DJ Maphorisa on Twitter, he signed him to his label BlaqBoy Music, then later signed with Universal Music Africa.[7]
2018–2019: Emakhaya
editOn 6 February 2018, Mlindo was featured on Sun-El Musician's song "Bamthathile", becoming a successful hit in various South African radio stations, reaching atop on local charts.[8] He then released his debut single "AmaBlesser" which featured and was produced by DJ Maphorisa.[9] The song eventually became a hit and was certified four times platinum by RiSA on 10 May 2019.[10] As he rose to prominence, Mlindo helped his family by concluding disadvantages they faced. He managed to hire a house for his brother, and helped his unemployed mother.[11]
After the success of his single "AmaBlesser", Mlindo revealed his debut album cover and its release date as it was made available for pre-order on iTunes.[12] His debut album Emakhaya was released on 21 September 2018.[13] The album was certified platinum by RiSA and managed to get almost 45 million streams countrywide as of May 2019.[14] The second single "Macala" managed to reach number-one in South Africa, following the success of his lead single. The album earned Mlindo three nominations at the 25th edition of the South African Music Awards; Best Newcomer of the Year, Best Produced Album and Best Afro Pop Album.[15][16]
2020-present: Umthandazo, Lindokuhle
editMlindo was reportedly working on his second studio album by August 2020.[17][18] In 2020, he released two singles titled "Yekela" featuring Masiano & Vusi Nova followed by "Mali" single featuring Nathi.[19]
In late June 2022, he made announcement on his Instagram account off his second studio album.[20]
Lindokuhle was released on July 22, 2022.[21]
Discography
edit- Studio albums
- Emakhaya (2018)
- Lindokuhle (2022)
Awards and nominations
editKZN Entertainment Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Himself | Best Male Artist[22] | Nominated |
Metro FM Music Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Lindokuhle | Best Afro Soul Pop | Nominated | [23] |
References
edit- ^ "Mlindo the vocalist on blessers i know what it's like to be the other guy". timeslive.co.za. 21 September 2018. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
- ^ "UGU Jazz Arts Festival kicks into high gear". South CoasHerald.
- ^ "Mlindo the Vocalist: Biography". My TV News.
- ^ "Mlindo the Vocalist". LAWK Communications.
- ^ "Gallery – Mlindo the Vocalist". Snaps4Music.
- ^ "Local artist 'gets a break' on Twitter". News24.
- ^ "MLINDO IN CONTRACT MIX-UP". Daily Sun.
- ^ "Bamthathile (feat. Mlindo The Vocalist) – Single by Sun-El Musician". Apple.
- ^ "DJ Maphorisa finds a new 'star' on Twitter". Channel24.
- ^ "Mlindo The Vocalist's Debut Album, "Emakhaya" Goes Platinum". Zkhipani.
- ^ "Mlindo The Vocalist on blessers: I know what it is like to be the other guy". TimesLIVE.
- ^ "Emakhaya by Mlindo The Vocalist". Apple.
- ^ "Mlindo The Vocalist Finally Drops Debut Album, Emakhaya". Zkhipani.
- ^ "Mlindo the Vocalist collects plaques as debut album goes platinum". City Buzz.
- ^ "SAMA newcomer nominees show a bright future for SA music". SowetanLIVE.
- ^ "SAMAs 2019: All the nominees". Music in Africa.
- ^ "Mlindo The Vocalist reveals title of sophomore album, Umthandazo – JustNje". JustNje. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ Israel A, John (17 August 2021). "Mlindo The Vocalist To Release Second Album 'Umthandazo' Soon". Ubetoo. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ Ntsinde, Mandisa. "#NewMusicFridays: Mlindo The Vocalist Teams Up With Nathi On New Single "Mali"". Zkhiphani.
- ^ Kandi, Privie (25 June 2022). "Mlindo the Vocalist Announces New Album Release After a Long Break: 'I'm Back, No More Depression'". Briefly. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ Vikilahle, Luthando (22 July 2022). "New Music Friday: Introducing Mlindo The Vocalist's new album Lindokuhle". GQ.
- ^ Bukola (17 December 2020). "See all the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". Fakaza News.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (7 May 2023). "Metro FM Awards 2023: All the winners".