17-06-2025
Ladysmith Black Mambaso legacy: Meet singer Yandani Shabalala
He's a young man with big dreams and extraordinary talent in music.
Yandani Shabalala is the grandson Joseph Shabalala, founder of legendary five-time Grammy Award winning music group Ladysmith Black Mamabazo, and the son of the group's current lead singer Thamsanqa Shabalala. He's now stepping into his own sound.
Shaped by musical greatness, the 19-year-old Durbanite embraces R&B and soul sounds with ethereal vocals and has garnered widespread attention with his latest single, a 'feel-good anthem' titled Honeydew.
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He shares with TRUELOVE how his family's musical heritage shaped his love for music.
'Growing up watching them perform and go on world tours would make me wish and hope I'd be doing the same thing someday. I've always been interested in music and singing and just watching them continue to sing and perform for so many years inspires me a lot.'
Yandani continues, 'I grew up just being that child who wouldn't stop singing and when I was younger, I used to even perform for my family members, singing Diamonds by Rihanna as if it was my song. One thing everyone knows about me though is that I love Ariana Grande. Any opportunity I get, I will talk about her. She's my biggest inspiration.'
Yandani's musical talent is purely that: talent.
He tells us, 'I don't train at all. I just sing and hope for the best. I do want to get professional training though someday in the future so I can know all the tips and tricks on making sure I protect my vocals as years go by.'
With a full EP on the way while working on solidifying his sound, Yandani has hit the ground running with his sonic passion.
Yandani says, 'I think it's important to not overthink the decision to reach for your dreams. I know we tend to think of what people are going to say or the judgmental remarks we may receive but it's important to use that to drive you to greatness.
'Block every negative person out and focus on yourself. With that attitude you can be anything you want, and you'll definitely succeed in life and reach your goals and dreams.'
