Sawubona.
Some voices, though speaking of their times, usually cross over into other times. Especially when carried by a performer with one foot in the old, and the other in the new.
Born in Mamelodi and raised in Atteridgeville, Luyandusapho (Luyanda Cornelia Ngubeni) grew up in a household where music was ever present. Sharing her childhood, she remembers seeing her father sing Marvin Gaye to her mother. Like many of performers, church is the place where she learned how to sing and dance. And the biggest church of all, is family gatherings where kids like her have performed for close loved ones –and then be sent to the world. These early experiences shaped her musical gene.
A Sound Where Neo-Soul Meets African Traditional Music
“I truly want to showcase my Neo Soul and Traditional music,” Luyandusapho has said, “I’m not only focusing on a single genre because I want to be known as a versatile musician”
Her sound has been described as carrying “rich indigenous tones with hints of neo-soul”. For typical reference, her vocals have drawn comparisons to Dana, while her touch of the poetic echo the likes of Badu. But you must always remember that it’s Ngubeni this time.
She draws inspiration from artists like Nina Simone, with her ethos of reflecting the times one lives in. Luyandusapho takes a similar approach—her songs are about what people go through in their daily lives.
This reflection of the times, is evident in some of the songs where she shows her musical versatility. Like the AmaPiano tune Shongola(2021), where she’s featured by Deekay 411. A number that reflects on the poor housing, poverty, but also the will to make it through the day faced by many people in the townships of South Africa.
From BagaNtu To IzangoMa and More
In 2018, she joined an indigenous African group called BagaNtu as its lead vocalist. About the band, she said “I enjoyed learning about the continent’s rich cultures and traditional music”. 2019, was a memorable year, as she scooped a gold medal at a national show, “Talent Africa,” showcased at Roodepoort Theatre. She made it through to represent South Africa in America, but unfortunately couldn’t make the trip due to funds.
She also worked as a backup singer with Afro-Psychedelic band IzangoMa in 2022, where performing at Johannesburg’s Untitled Basement for the first time was a highlight. She is currently working with Khalambazo Algorythm, an ensemble led by the brother Mpho Tshwale (Noko wa Dinaka).
Upcoming Performance: Women’s Day at Kwantu Village
On Saturday, 8 August 2026, Luyandusapho will headline the Women’s Day: uMafungwase event at Kwantu Village in Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal. The event honours the spirit of uMafungwase and marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 South African Women’s March.
She will perform a jazz-soul-funk inspired live set in an intimate fireside setting, following a 3-course dinner by chef Mantis Shabane. The event is described as “an immersive signature gathering” celebrating the essence of womanhood through a curated experience featuring a Premium Collection Fashion Show presenting Bathini Designs by nkosazane Bathini Kowane, and music by usisi uMpho “Syrin” Fakude.
