About Wandile Mbambeni

In the year 2024, Wandile Mbambeni continues to leave his mark on the music scene, building upon an already impressive repertoire of achievements. Most notably, he has graced the main stage at the Up The Creek festival, he has also shared the spotlight with renowned artists such as Xavier Rudd and Milky Chance, as well as being featured on the Human Rights Festival.

Wandile Mbambeni, a singer-songwriter hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, is recognized for his distinctive blend of Soul, African folk, folk-country, and Indie. With a compelling voice and a penchant for storytelling, he has rapidly ascended as a rising star in both local and international music circles.

Over the past few years, Wandile has earned a reputation for delivering memorable performances at some of the continent’s most prestigious venues and events, including Rocking The Daisies and Lake of Stars in Malawi. His talents also led him to join 6x Grammy-nominated artist Tamia on her national tour of South Africa, gracing venues such as The Sun Arena (PTA) and Greenpoint Stadium (CPT).

In 2023, Wandile was among the featured artists on the AppleTV+ docuseries 'My Kind of Country,' filmed in Nashville, USA. Drawing inspiration from musical luminaries like Oliver Mtukudzi, John Mayer, Hugh Masekela, and Brenda Fassie, Wandile Mbambeni delves into themes of love, loss, nostalgia, and self-discovery in his music, resonating with audiences of all ages.

In 2016, Wandile's single 'Lovers Like You,' from his Maturation EP, earned recognition as one of the Top 20 Songs in South Africa on the esteemed music blog Texx in the City. The following year, he signed his inaugural record deal with South Africa’s oldest label, Gallo Record Company. In 2018, Wandile released his debut album, Kwakumnandi, garnering critical acclaim and radio airplay across the region. The album featured the chart-topping single 'Wanted and Loved,' featuring Shekhinah on Jacaranda FM. His live rendition of Track 11, 'Tell Me,' from the album earned distinctions such as Balcony TV Worldwide’s 'Video of the Day' and Balcony TV New York’s 'Pick of the Week.'

Beyond his musical endeavors, Wandile is a multifaceted individual who finds joy in diverse pursuits. Whether he's composing melodies or strumming his guitar, you might also find him in the gym, on a rugby field, or exploring the streets with his longboard or 35mm film camera. Passionate about health, fitness, and personal growth, Wandile Mbambeni serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to pursue their best selves.

With his unique sound, heartfelt lyrics, and versatile talents as a self-taught guitarist, producer, and sound engineer, Wandile Mbambeni is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world for years to come.