South African singer-songwriter Yolanda “Yallunder” Nyembezi has died at the age of 30.
Yallunder dies: What’s the cause of death?
Her family confirmed her passing in a statement on Friday, revealing that she died on Thursday, 13 March 2025, at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital after battling an illness for several months.
The statement described Yallunder as a resilient fighter who held onto life with grace despite her deteriorating health.
While the exact nature of her illness was not disclosed, her family emphasised that she remained strong and full of love until her final moments.
Yallunder biography
Born on 23 August 1994 in Bizana, Eastern Cape, Yolanda Nyembezi—better known by her stage name Yallunder—was a classically trained vocalist with a deep passion for music.
She graduated cum laude in vocal pedagogy from Tshwane University of Technology in 2016, a testament to her dedication to her craft.
After completing her studies, Yallunder joined Gauteng Opera before being discovered by award-winning musician Sjava, who signed her to 1020 Cartel.
This marked the beginning of her professional music career, and she quickly made a name for herself with her soulful voice and emotive songwriting.
Her debut EP, Uthando Lwam, was released in 2020, introducing audiences to her unique blend of Afro-soul and traditional influences. That same year, she contributed to the compilation album iSambulo, co-writing and featuring on multiple tracks.
She continued to rise in the industry, earning a nomination for Best IsiXhosa Artist/Group at the 15th South African Traditional Music Awards for her song Impilo Iyaqhubeka.
In 2022, Yallunder signed with The Vth Season and released the single Emaphupheni Am.
A year later, she took control of her career by launching her own record label, Masani Music. She went on to release her debut studio album, Kum, in August 2023, featuring standout tracks like 11:11 Makukhanye and Imali with Mpho.Wav and Kenza.
Her artistic contributions extended beyond music. In 2021, she launched Truth, a show that premiered on Locaflix, further solidifying her influence in South African entertainment.
Throughout her career, Yallunder won accolades, including Best Newcomer of the Year at the City Awards in 2021. She was also recognized at the 2023 South African Music Awards, where her collaboration Ndinovalo with Mörda won Remix of the Year.
Reactions to Yallunder’s death
Yallunder’s passing has left a deep void in the South African music industry, with fans, fellow artists, and industry figures expressing their sorrow on social media.
Here are some of the reactions we picked:
