Mlindo the Vocalist
Landscapeyes
Birth nameLindokuhle Mgedezi
Birth date7 October 1995 (age 31)
Birth placePort Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Genre
Occupation
  • Singer
  • songwriter
InstrumentVocals
Years active2017–present
Label
Associated acts

Lindokuhle Mgedezi (born 7 October 1995), known professionally as Mlindo the Vocalist, is a South African singer and songwriter. He initially gained notable recognition following his debut single, "Amablesser", taken from his debut album, Emakhaya (2018).[1]

Life and career

1995–2016: Early life and beginnings

Lindokuhle Magedeza was born in the year 1995 in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal. At the age of four, he became part of a local church where he discovered his vocal skills. Mlindo attended the Phathwa High School in Gcilima, a borough of Margate.[2]

As he considered starting a musical career, Mlindo later went to Eastern Cape where he joined a hip hop group Flow Riders in 2010. He mainly took part in vocals.[3] In 2014, he established an a cappella group White Bread, after his departure on Flow Riders. White Bread was a success as they won several accolades, including Search for the Stars, held in uShaka Marine World, Durban.[4] In 2017, he won a talent competition Golden Search in Richards Bay, which gave him an opportunity to work with record label Afrotainment, owned by producer DJ Tira.[5] At this year, Mlindo the vocalist was a social media sensation as he uploaded videos covering popular songs. The notable video of him covering a stripped-down version of DJ Maphorisa song "Midnight Starring" went viral.[6] After being discovered by DJ Maphorisa on Twitter, he signed him to his label BlaqBoy Music, then later signed with Universal Music Africa.[7]

2018–2019: Emakhaya

Main article: Emakhaya

On 6 February 2018, Mlindo was featured on Sun-El Musician's song "Bamthathile", becoming a successful hit in various South African radio stations, reaching atop on local charts.[8] He then released his debut single "AmaBlesser" which featured and was produced by DJ Maphorisa.[9] The song eventually became a hit and was certified four times platinum by RiSA on 10 May 2019.[10] As he rose to prominence, Mlindo helped his family by concluding disadvantages they faced. He managed to hire a house for his brother, and helped his unemployed mother.[11]

After the success of his single "AmaBlesser", Mlindo revealed his debut album cover and its release date as it was made available for pre-order on iTunes.[12] His debut album Emakhaya was released on 21 September 2018.[13] The album was certified platinum by RiSA and managed to get almost 45 million streams countrywide as of May 2019.[14] The second single "Macala" managed to reach number-one in South Africa, following the success of his lead single. The album earned Mlindo three nominations at the 25th edition of the South African Music Awards; Best Newcomer of the Year, Best Produced Album and Best Afro Pop Album.[15][16]

2020-present: Umthandazo, Lindokuhle

Mlindo was reportedly working on his second studio album by August 2020.[17][18] In 2020, he released two singles titled "Yekela" featuring Masiano & Vusi Nova followed by "Mali" single featuring Nathi.[19][20]

In late June 2022, he made announcement on his Instagram account off his second studio album.[21]

Lindokuhle was released on 22 July 2022.[22]

Discography

Main article: Mlindo the Vocalist discography
Studio albums

Awards and nominations

KZN Entertainment Awards

|- |2020 |style="text-align: center;" | Himself | Best Male Artist[23] |

Metro FM Music Awards

|- |2023 |style="text-align: center;" | Lindokuhle | Best Afro Soul Pop | |[24]

References

  1. ^ "Mlindo the vocalist on blessers i know what it's like to be the other guy". timeslive.co.za. 21 September 2018. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  2. ^ "UGU Jazz Arts Festival kicks into high gear". South CoasHerald
  3. ^ "Mlindo the Vocalist: Biography". My TV News
  4. ^ "Mlindo the Vocalist". LAWK Communications
  5. ^ "Gallery – Mlindo the Vocalist". Snaps4Music
  6. ^ "Local artist 'gets a break' on Twitter". News24
  7. ^ "MLINDO IN CONTRACT MIX-UP". Daily Sun
  8. ^ "Bamthathile (feat. Mlindo The Vocalist) – Single by Sun-El Musician". Apple
  9. ^ "DJ Maphorisa finds a new ‘star’ on Twitter". Channel24
  10. ^ "Mlindo The Vocalist's Debut Album, "Emakhaya" Goes Platinum". Zkhipani
  11. ^ "Mlindo The Vocalist on blessers: I know what it is like to be the other guy". TimesLIVE
  12. ^ "Emakhaya by Mlindo The Vocalist". Apple
  13. ^ "Mlindo The Vocalist Finally Drops Debut Album, Emakhaya". Zkhipani
  14. ^ "Mlindo the Vocalist collects plaques as debut album goes platinum". City Buzz
  15. ^ "SAMA newcomer nominees show a bright future for SA music". SowetanLIVE
  16. ^ "SAMAs 2019: All the nominees". Music in Africa
  17. ^ "Mlindo The Vocalist reveals title of sophomore album, Umthandazo – JustNje". JustNje. 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2021-11-21.
  18. ^ Israel A, John (2021-08-17). "Mlindo The Vocalist To Release Second Album 'Umthandazo' Soon". Ubetoo. Retrieved 2021-11-21.
  19. ^ Ntsinde, Mandisa. "#NewMusicFridays: Mlindo The Vocalist Teams Up With Nathi On New Single "Mali"". Zkhiphani
  20. ^ Rethabile, Thandi (2025-06-14). "Mlindo The Vocalist – Inkomo Zika Baba ft. Madumane, CowBoii & DJ Maphorisa". CeeMuzic. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  21. ^ Kandi, Privie (2022-06-25). "Mlindo the Vocalist Announces New Album Release After a Long Break: 'I’m Back, No More Depression'". Briefly. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
  22. ^ Vikilahle, Luthando (2022-07-22). "New Music Friday: Introducing Mlindo The Vocalist’s new album Lindokuhle". GQ
  23. ^ Bukola (17 December 2020). "See all the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". Fakaza News
  24. ^ Shumba, Ano (7 May 2023). "Metro FM Awards 2023: All the winners"