Tshivenda Afro-Jazz singer Malondolo has released a new single, Lwendo (Journey), which she describes as a song that reflects on life's struggles and triumphs. The track was released on Friday, 31 January.
The artist, whose full name is Londolani Ramulongo, hails from Maungani village and creates music by drawing from her personal experiences.
Malondolo rose to fame with her 2010 hit Ndi a Livhuwa (I Thank You). In 2012, she received her first major accolade when she was named Best Afro-Jazz Artist at the Tshivenda Music Awards. She has since graced major stages, including the Mapungubwe Music Festival, where she performed alongside legends such as Simphiwe Dana, Ringo, and Thandiswa Mazwai. She has released numerous songs and albums, including the widely praised Tshivhinga in 2021.
Her music has taken her to prestigious venues such as Johannesburg's Bassline and even abroad, where she represented South Africa at France's FIMU Music Festival. She also captivated audiences in Maseru, Lesotho, in 2017. Known for her unique vocals and emotive storytelling, Malondolo has built a career spanning more than a decade, consistently pushing boundaries and redefining genres.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her new single, Lwendo, she said, "There are times when we go through things we don't fully understand, but we keep moving forward. That's why I called this song Journey—to remind my fans that, no matter how long or difficult the road may seem, it doesn't mean you're stuck. You can survive and keep going."