WeeklySA_AdminSEED: Mthatha traditional music duo Sivuyile Nonzame are carrying forward the legacy of their late mother, Nomalungelo Bonga, with the release of their debut single Isemalwandle ahead of a 12-track album steeped in Eastern Cape heritage and generational storytelling…
By Siyabonga Kamnqa
Eastern Cape’s rich cultural heritage took centre stage recently as traditional music duo Sivuyile Nonzame announced the release of their highly anticipated debut single, Isemalwandle, which dropped on July 31.
Hailing from Mthatha, Sivuyile Nonzame is a deeply-rooted musical project with a history spanning five decades. The group was originally founded in 1976 by the late Nomalungelo Bonga.
Today, her daughters and sisters Ncumisa and Luleka are championing their mother’s lifelong dream, stepping into the studio to continue exactly where she left off. Isemalwandle serves as a powerful introduction to the duo’s signature sound, carrying the weight of generational storytelling and traditional melodies.
The track will be available on all major digital streaming and download platforms globally. The single offers the first taste of Sivuyile Nonzame’s much-anticipated 12-track debut album, which is scheduled for release during the first week of September 2026.
The upcoming body of work marks a major milestone for the Bonga family, institutionalising their mother’s 1976 vision for the global stage.
To ensure accessibility for all generations of traditional music lovers, the full album will be released both digitally and as a CD worldwide.
Speaking to Weekly SA Mirror, both Luleka and Ncumisa expressed delight at their latest endeavour, adding that the project was more than just music to them – but a sacred inheritance.
“Our mother, Nomalungelo, planted this seed back in 1976.
Fifty years later, we are proud to finally bring her dream to full fruition and share our authentic sound with the rest of the world,” said the sisters.
