Afro-soul artist Yolanda "Yallunder" Nyembezi, known for her hit song Ndinovalo, has passed away. Yallunder is better known for winning the Remix of the Year at the South African Music Awards in 2023 with the song Ndinovalo, where she was featured on vocals by Mörda.

SHE FOUGHT FOR HER LIFE

Her family announced her passing in a statement last night. The statement read: "Yolanda fought bravely through months of illness, holding onto life with resilience and grace until her final bow on Thursday, 13 March 2025, at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital. Her journey was one of unwavering strength, and even in her most vulnerable moments, she remained a beacon of love, kindness, and artistry," the Nyembezi family said in a statement. "Losing her has left an unimaginable void in our hearts, but we take comfort in knowing that her music, her legacy, and the love she poured into the world will live on forever."

WELL EDUCATED

The 30-year-old talented songstress has worked with the music industry's top DJs, like Black Coffee, where she did a cover of his song Buya. Born and raised in Bizana, Eastern Cape, Yallunder signed her first record deal with 1020 Cartel, under Sjava, and released her EP Uthando Lwam in 2020. She has also worked with AmaPiano producers Kabza De Small, Kelvin Momo, and Babalwa M. Yallunder, who graduated from Tshwane University of Technology in 2016. Her family described her as 'not only a gifted singer and songwriter but also a classically trained, cum laude graduate in vocal pedagogy, an artist whose talent was as undeniable as her passion for music.'In a short career, Yallunder has received several nominations for different awards. She was also nominated at the South African Traditional Music Awards for her song Impilo Iyaqhubeka in the Best IsiXhosa Artist/Group category.