Lwandile Mtshali, better known as Lwah Ndlunkulu, emerged from the verdant landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, where her musical journey began at the tender age of seven. Born on 1 April 2000, her innate talent for singing reverberated through the halls of S.H. Gumede Primary School, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in music. Undeterred by challenges, Lwah honed her craft during her formative years at Makhasa High School.
In 2020, she embarked on a courageous journey to Johannesburg, driven by a relentless pursuit of her dreams and a desire to expand her horizons in the music industry. Navigating the bustling city proved to be a test of resilience, as she faced hardships and relied on odd jobs to make ends meet. Yet her unwavering spirit propelled her forward, and a pivotal moment arrived when she joined an FM radio station, immersing herself in the vibrant world of music. It was there that fate intervened, connecting her with producer MBzet, whose recognition of her exceptional talent opened doors to Inkabi Records, led by the esteemed L.A. Beats.
Following the groundbreaking success of her multi-award-winning debut album Imizwa, Lwah has officially released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Amaciko, under Inkabi Records. The release also coincides with her entrepreneurial ventures, Amaciko Foods and Amaciko Production, signaling a new era of artistry and enterprise.
Here’s what you need to know about this remarkable project:
1. It’s a Tribute to Culture
The title Amaciko, which means “artisans” or “custodians of art,” reflects Lwah’s dedication to her heritage. The album celebrates the people who preserve culture and art, a theme that resonates throughout her music and new business ventures.
2. Twelve Tracks of Mastery
Amaciko is a 12-track masterpiece that fuses soulful Afro-pop melodies with traditional Zulu instrumentation and rhythms. Lwah and her team have dubbed this unique sound Urban Maskhandi, blending contemporary urban sensibilities with deep cultural roots.
3. A Personal and Emotional Journey
The album carries a deeply personal message. “Amaciko is my love letter to the people, to my ancestors, and to every woman who carries the weight of culture and still dares to be modern and build an empire,” Lwah shares, highlighting the intimate and empowering nature of the project.
4. Entrepreneurial Expansion
With the album launch, Lwah simultaneously introduced Amaciko Foods and Amaciko Production, demonstrating her commitment to both cultural and commercial innovation. Music and entrepreneurship now walk hand-in-hand in her career.
5. Exclusive Listening Sessions
Before the official release, Lwah held two exclusive listening sessions. The first, on September 30th at the Playhouse in her hometown of Durban, was a moving, family-centered evening attended by her grandmother. The second, on October 2nd at Propstar in Johannesburg, brought her Urban Maskhandi sound to the heart of South Africa’s urban music scene.
6. A Fusion of Past and Present
The album’s sound is both nostalgic and modern. By blending Zulu traditional instruments with contemporary Afro-pop production, Lwah ensures that her music honors the past while appealing to a new generation of listeners.
7. Empowering Women Through Music
Amaciko carries a strong feminist undertone. It’s dedicated to women who preserve culture while navigating the modern world, encouraging them to embrace both tradition and ambition.
8. A Platform for Cultural Artisans
Through her music and Amaciko Production, Lwah positions herself as a custodian of culture, aiming to give a platform to other artists and artisans who keep cultural practices alive.
9. A Celebration of Family and Roots
Family plays a central role in Amaciko. The Durban listening session exemplified this, grounding the album in Lwah’s personal history and cultural identity. Her grandmother’s presence highlighted the intergenerational love and wisdom embedded in her work.
10. More Than Music — A Movement
Amaciko is more than an album; it’s a holistic celebration of art, heritage, and enterprise. Through music, food, and production, Lwah Ndlunkulu is establishing herself as a modern custodian of culture — one who honors the past while boldly shaping the future.
