Kwa-Thema – Singer and songwriter Yandisa Ntusi (23) is making her mark in the music industry with the release of her upcoming debut EP, Yimi Lo.

Working within the Amapiano and Afro-house genres, the Kwa-Thema artist says music has always been a part of her life.

Yandisa began singing in school choirs at age seven and was also actively involved in church music.

“I have always been passionate about music, and my mom made it easier to fall in love with music because she’s a conductor herself,” she said.

Her journey into professional music began in 2022 when a neighbour introduced her to producers Jandas and 2Kultured, who were well known in Kwa-Thema.

However, she did not officially start making music until early 2024.

“In 2024, after receiving a positive response from the general public about my potential, I realised that I truly could pursue a career in music,” she said.

For Yandisa, Amapiano and Afro-house are more than just popular genres.

“Culture drew me into those genres. Amapiano and Afro-house are born and bred in the township. Ikasi has so many stories to tell, and I believe living life as a black female artist is a story worth telling,” she explained.

Yandisa says collaborating with other artists also played a major role in building her confidence.

“Three of the most successful collaborations that I have been involved in gave me a bit of a shove into pursuing music.

“Their positive response really made me want to see things through to completion and sharpen my creative skills,” she said.

Her debut EP, Yimi Lo, which translates to “This is me”, serves as an introduction to who she is as an artist.

“Every sound, groove and feel that listeners hear in the project is a perfect description of who I am as an individual. It is a fitting description of this particular point in my life,” she said.

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The project explores themes that resonate with many young women, including love, pain, ambition, forgiveness, confidence and perseverance.

“Especially in our twenties, we experience love, pain, anger and ambition at their peak. Those experiences introduce us to concepts of forgiveness, confidence in ourselves, loving right and working tirelessly,” Yandisa said.

The title track, Yimi Lo, holds a special place in her heart.

“It was written and recorded at 06:00 in a tense room with my tears held back and my eyes almost half shut from fatigue, but my hunger and pursuit for my music career made me want to finish the song regardless,” she recalled.

Growing up in Kwa-Thema also inspired her musical journey.

“Seeing neighbours and former schoolmates succeed in music gave me so much hope. My followers and local friends have been truly supportive and their demands for our music made this project possible,” she said.

Looking ahead, Yandisa hopes the EP will leave a lasting impact on listeners.

“I truly hope each song finds its audience. I hope it restores faith, self-love and groove back into people’s lives.

“I hope Yimi Lo can still be listened to even in the next 10 years and evoke the very same emotions,” she said.