Zimpapers Logo

Mlindo The Vocalist has had a big and successful year that earns him the title of music’s biggest break-out solo act this year.

Released in September, his debut album Emakhaya, with hot tracks such as AmaBlesser, Macala and Imoto as well as guest appearances by Kwesta and Sjava just went gold.

“The album is inspired by a lot of things such as my granny and the stories she used to tell me as well as my uncles — their love lives and all.

I drew inspiration from all that and problems that the youth are facing,” said Mlindo.

Real name Lindokuhle Magedezi, the 23-year-old crooner cites his biggest accomplishment this year as buying his mom a townhouse in KwaZulu-Natal.

“My mom is one of those hardcore rural people that just want to see their yard so she’s still in disbelief. But she’s really happy as they’re closer to schools and all of that.”

Mlindo was discovered by DJ Maphorisa on the Internet in February. Together with his younger brother on keyboard, they used to release covers of hit songs.

Before he (Mlindo) knew it, he was in studio recording his smash hit AmaBlesser and the rest is history.

“I always had hope that someday, someone will recognise me, but I never thought it would be on this level. This has been way over my expectations,” he said.

With musical inspirations of Simphiwe Dana and The Soil, Mlindo would like to collaborate with local rapper Riky Rick and Zimbabwean great, Oliver Mtukudzi.

Having graced so many stages in a short time, from Idols SA to DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards, he has his eyes set on performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Mlindo has 13 siblings from his father’s side and four from his mother’s side. He started making music at age 16. Before his music breakthrough, he was about to obtain his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Zululand.

“I dropped out this year and was doing my final year. I wouldn’t go back to complete it, but I’ll study something else. I really didn’t like it. It was something that my parents forced me to do,” he shared.

When asked about his romantic life, the father of a three-year-old daughter described it as “complicated”, like a Facebook relationship status.

“I’m not happy with my relationship with her because I’m on the road a lot, trying to make sure she has a better life than me. I don’t spend much time with her and I’m not proud of that,” he said. — Sowetan.