Andy Ndlazilwana

ROFILE Andy Ndlazilwana hails from Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, and boasts a lineage with royal connections, being the granddaughter of the legendary late musician, Victor Ndlazilwana. Much like her grandfather, she is deeply committed to her craft and education. While spending several years in the background as a backup vocalist, Andy took a bold step forward in 2016 when she assumed the role of a band leader. Her talent quickly earned her recognition, and she was chosen as one of the featured performers at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Arts Festival and the subsequent Mamela Festival for two consecutive years. Andy’s debut at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 2018 was nothing short of spectacular, as she clinched a Standard Bank Ovation Award. Subsequently, she released her inaugural single, “Nomalanga Pamunotangira.” Collaborating with her bassist and producer, Edgar Muzah, and joining forces with artists from both the Eastern Cape and Zimbabwe, they received the ESP Young Legends award, affording them the opportunity to grace the stage at the prestigious Cape Town Jazz Festival in 2019. Notably, some of Andy’s compositions can be found on the SAMA28-nominated album titled “Son of a Tribe” by Edgar Muzah. Venturing into the realm of live production direction, she presented “INTLOMBE” with her dedicated team, earning them a Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award. Additionally, her involvement in “The Vocal Explosion” by Asanda Mqiki led to yet another accolade, the Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award. Though her journey may still be in its early stages, Andy Ndlazilwana is undeniably a rising force to be reckoned with, and her future promises even greater accomplishments.