Sawubona.
Once in a while, we are let in on something real. A voice. The kind ordinary debates about voices would have to be put aside. Or smacked with a “Shut up! Luyandusapho is singing!”
That was Kwantu Village on 8 August 2026, as Luyandusapho took the stage for an intimate performance celebrating Women’s Day. The event, which honoured the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March, saw the Pretoria-born singer deliver a set that might as well been the voice of many women in one. But only one can sing like that.
When Luyandusapho Sings
It’s been said that Luyandusapho’s voice carries “warmth and sincerity”. All that description, is true. She carries it both as a singer and person. You can also tell a lot about her sense of reverence for creation through the tinge in her tone.
She has mentioned learning to sing and dance at church. Which is probably where she picked up that tinge –where else could anyone find such except for where I hear there’s a man who rose from the dead.
Dressed in a stunning dress by Bathini Designs—Luyandusapho moved like pure grace throughout her whole performance. Her performance was first met with sound problems. Kwantu Village usually has crisp quality sound, their sound guy Stan also knows what he’s doing. But for some reason, I think a devil thizeni showed up that day. And according to that book Black Coffee referenced in that speech, the devil was there because of Luyandusapho. It was there to stop her from doing the Lord’s work.
Fortunately, Stan did work out the sound to a decent setup, then the band took off with the first song. The first song seemed to be revenge for delays with sound. Then they did an empowering tune called Above. Closing their set with a Gospel vibe number called Yehla.
Mpho Tshwale on Keys, Mpho Mojapelo on Drums
Mpho Tshwale/Noko Wa Dinaka on keyboard and Mpho Mojapelo on drums. During the day I passed their room, and while they were rehearsing I heard them play Ibrahim’s Blues For A Hip King and takes on Coltrane.
And as you’d know him, Tshwale is a brave pianist who romanticizes Monk. You cannot romanticize Monk and be a coward. Ever.
Not being afraid to play the Jazz piano, I’ve heard that Tshwale plays what’s also called S’Pitori, made famous mnumzane Tlokwe Sehume.
Supporting Tshwale’s melodic leadership was left-handed drummer Mpho Mojapelo. I mention that he’s left handed so you could easily know the reason for his bleksem timing. Lefties do swing different.
His rhythmic foundation was both steady and inventive, providing the pulse that allowed the music to breathe. Mojapelo says he is “just into African music”—and it showed. His feel was organic, rooted, and deeply connected to the spirit of the evening.
Together, Tshwale and Mojapelo created a dynamic that was as much about listening as it was about playing.
Kwantu Village As A Live Music Performance Venue
The venue itself added to the magic. Kwantu Village, nestled beneath the foothills of the Langalibalele Mountains in Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal, provided a rustic and intimate backdrop. It was a space where the music could be felt as much as it was heard.