WeeklySA_AdminROOTS: After years in the corporate world, seasoned performer Nkiyase Mondlana Mbatha reconnects with her first love — music — releasing a new album and the upbeat single I Wanna Love You.
By Priscilla Malinga
After spending several years in the corporate world, South African singer and entertainer Nkiyase Mondlana Mbatha has returned to her first love — music — with the release of her new album One in a Million and the upbeat single I Wanna Love You.
With a career spanning more than 25 years, Nkiyase is a multifaceted South African artist whose journey has included music, acting, broadcasting, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Born on September 23 in Alexandra, Johannesburg, she grew up in a spiritually rich family where her father’s love for music helped shape her early passion for performance. She began singing at school at the age of seven and in 1997 was crowned the first Miss Alex FM, representing the Alexandra-based community radio station.
Beyond music, Nkiyase built an impressive presence in television and film. She appeared in popular productions such as Jacob’s Cross, Umshoza Wami, Tjovitjo, and the internationally acclaimed film District 9. In broadcasting, she co-hosted the Midday Cruise on Alex FM and has hosted several major events, including the Johannesburg New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2017 and the Arts Alive Jazz on the Lake festival between 2018 and 2019.
Despite her success in other fields, music remained central to her identity. After spending time in the corporate sector as a shareholder and director of Adreach, a national out-of-home advertising company, she decided to return fully to her artistic passion. She also co-founded Momba Empire, a holding company that includes her recording label Momba Muziki.
Her latest single, I Wanna Love You, blends dance rhythms with classic kwaito influences and explores the theme of unconditional love. Nkiyase says the song reflects her current stage of life as a married woman.
“I Wanna Love You is about loving someone unconditionally,” she explains. “As a wife and mother, I believe love should endure even during difficult times. When I love, I love deeply, and the music I create reflects where I am emotionally and spiritually.”
Nkiyase’s musical journey began in earnest in 2000 when she joined Petite, South Africa’s first female kwaito group formed by Dennis Madondo. She later joined Kalawa Jazmee Records, appearing on the Trompies’ international hit Malabulabu and collaborating with some of the country’s most respected artists, including Oskido, Arthur Mafokate and Keith Thompson.
Her career also included a period with KZN Music House, founded by the late Dr Mbongeni Ngema, where she released two albums and worked on several musical projects.
As a solo artist, Nkiyase has released four studio albums: Lebota (2009) and Mudar É Bom (2011), which celebrate her Mozambican heritage; I Am Who I Am (2022), featuring collaborations with producers and artists such as Joe Nina, FakeAno, 2woshort, Olax Tambo and Mercy Pakela; and her latest project, One in a Million (2025), marking a milestone in her 25-year music career.
Her international reach includes performances in Germany during the 2006 FIFA World Cup and a tour of the United Kingdom in 2007 aimed at promoting kwaito music globally.
Beyond the stage, Nkiyase is deeply committed to community development. Living with dyslexia herself, she founded the “Yes I Am Dyslexic” campaign through the Momba Foundation to raise awareness about dyslexia and mild intellectual disabilities, particularly in township and rural communities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, her foundation partnered with SDI Force to raise more than R2.5 million in just three days, providing food relief to over 10,000 families. In 2022, further partnerships with Peers & Fisher Optometrists, Adreach and SDI helped provide free eye tests and eyewear to more than 2,000 school transport operators.
“With I Wanna Love You, I want to make a fearless statement about love — choosing openness, passion and emotional freedom,” Nkiyase said. “The song reflects confidence, growth and refusing to let the past dictate the future.”
Her new album One in a Million is now available on all major digital streaming platforms.
