by Nhlawulo Vision Chauke
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is deeply saddened by the passing of renowned musician and esteemed alumnus, Yolanda ‘Yallunder’ Nyembezi, on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
Born in Bizana, Eastern Cape, on 23 August 1994, she was a gifted singer and songwriter and academic achiever.
She graduated Cum Laude with a B Tech: Vocal Art (Pedagogy) from TUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design and was among the University’s most celebrated alumni. She has been at the top of the music charts for the past seven years.
Her family confirmed her passing through a statement on social media, noting that she passed away at the age of 30 at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital after a prolonged illness. The statement honoured her courage, describing her as a fighter who faced her health challenges with resilience and grace.
“Her journey was one of unwavering strength and even in her most vulnerable moments she remained a beacon of love, kindness and artistry,” read the statement.
The Faculty of Arts and Design has also expressed its grief and admiration for the late artist.
“On behalf of the Faculty of Arts and Design, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our beloved songstress, Yallunder. As a graduate of distinction from the Faculty, she embodied passion and dedication to her art. It is profoundly heart-breaking to lose someone so focused and full of promise with an extraordinary career ahead. May she rest in peace and may her legacy continue to inspire all whose lives she touched,” said Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean.
Yallunder’s soulful voice captured the hearts of music lovers across South Africa. She rose to prominence in 2018 through a series of heartfelt cover performances that drew the attention of musical giants such as Black Coffee and Sjava.
Yolanda “Yallunder” Nyembezi
Her original track, “Ndinovalo,” became a breakout hit, amassing over one million streams and featuring on Netflix’s Blood and Water as well as the popular local TV series Diep City.
She leaves behind three albums that have been nothing but a success and numerous features with hit songs along with Kelvin Momo and Oskido, to name a few.
During her career, she released three critically acclaimed albums. In 2023, she earned a prestigious South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Remix of the Year for the “Ndinovalo Remix” with Mörda.
The sensational musician later thrived as an independent artist to her own record label, Masani Music.