Bongeziwe Mabandla has released “Yalwa (Knighted)”, the first single from his forthcoming album, arriving as an intentional surprise drop. The song was first shared with Bongeziwe’s closest fans via his mailing list — many of whom had already heard it during his 2025 solo tour — before being released publicly.
Rooted in ancestry, family, and cultural identity, “Yalwa” explores the honour and responsibility of legacy — the one we have been waiting for — and the consciousness that comes with carrying it. The song was written following Bongeziwe’s immersion in the television series Shaka iLembe, where he was deeply moved by Shaka’s relationship with his mother, prompting reflection on his own lineage.
The accompanying visuals, shot in the Eastern Cape, place motherhood at the centre of the story, honouring the women who shaped generations before him. Through “Yalwa,” Bongeziwe celebrates his family and expresses pride in Xhosa culture and heritage, setting the emotional foundation for Ndingubani, his fifth studio album.
