Healing, inspiring and staying timeless: Skye Wanda’s musical journey unveiled

South African women have long been the heartbeat of the nation’s music scene – pushing boundaries, breaking stereotypes and inspiring generations.

Among them, few embody that fearless, genre-crossing spirit quite like Skye Wanda.

Known for her powerhouse vocals, heartfelt lyrics and ever-expanding skill set, the Durban-born artist is proving she is not just here to sing – she is here to lead, inspire and stay.

“I’m a multifaceted artist,” she said in a conversation with “Independent Media Lifestyle”.

“Kind-hearted but feisty. I am passionate about my art, ambitious, a loving mother and sometimes just plain goofy. I am also a responsible human being living by faith. That is me; both as an artist and as a person.”

Born Nonhle Mhlongo, Wanda grew up in the vibrant township of Chesterville, KwaZulu-Natal. Music was not just a hobby – it was a family tradition.

“Everyone at home could sing,” she recalled. “My grandmother, my brothers, my sisters… music was always there. I started singing very young because it was part of who we were.”

Her big break almost came in 2015 when she entered “Idols South Africa” and made it to the Top 16. But personal circumstances forced her to withdraw. Instead of deterring her, that setback became a catalyst.

“My journey’s been up and down,” she admitted. “There have been great moments, and moments where I thought, ‘I’m done with music altogether.’ But I always find myself back because, for me, it is more than talent – it is my ministry.”

In recent years, Wanda has added another title to her growing résumé: DJ. It was not just a random pivot – it was a strategic move to deepen her connection to dance music culture.

“The reason I started DJing was to expand my skills,” she explained.

“Ever since I started going hard on dance music, I have been having the time of my life. I have found a home and I am staying. DJing is an integral part of that culture, so I decided to give it a go. It has changed how I view and experience music completely.”

“Beat-matching, counting, talking about toplines and drops – it has been great. It is also growing my production side, and I love it.”

Wanda’s catalogue is filled with empowering anthems and uplifting messages. While they resonate deeply with listeners, she admitted much of that inspiration starts as self-encouragement.

“The empowering messages in my songs are mostly for me,” she said. “But I know I am not the only one who needs them, so I put them into songs and share them. I am very spiritual, and my relationship with God is a big part of who I am. When I write about gratitude to Him, it is not just a song – it is a true praise.”

Wanda’s career boasts collaborations with some of South Africa’s most respected names in house music, but one stands out above the rest: her work on “Girl in the Mirror” with Zakes Bantwini.

“When we made that song, I wrote the first thing that came to mind after Zakes rejected my initial idea for the beat.”

“I decided not to write to impress, but to write from the heart. He liked it, but did not release it for two years – I had actually forgotten about it! When it finally came out and people were singing along, messaging me, relating to it – that was huge. It helped shape the sound I wanted to put out in the dance space.”

Her creative partnership with Bantwini has now led to an upcoming joint album. To Wanda, Bantwini is not just a collaborator – he is family.

“Zakes is like a brother to me,” she said. “We have done a lot of studio sessions together. When he is in Durban, we are in the studio. After my team and I decided not to release a project we had worked on for so long, I told Zakes, ‘Let us empty the vault.’ I believe in every song we have done.”

The project also features contributions from talents like Joseph Dube, Drega, Marco Pex, Jnr SA and Black Rhythm.

While Wanda keeps details under wraps, she promised that fans will not be disappointed. “If I tell you more, I will be giving away too much,” she teased.

Wanda’s ambitions extend beyond the stage. She is stepping into the business world and even making waves in the gaming sector as deputy president of the KZN Esports Federation.

“I really want to spread my wings in business and esports,” she said. “It is all about growth and exploring new ways to impact the community.”

As the South African music industry evolves at a rapid pace, Wanda is determined to uphold its heart and soul.

“In an ever-evolving music world, I hope to be one of those who maintain musical integrity,” she said. “I want to make timeless music for people who still have the attention span and palate for music in its purest form.”

For all her accolades and projects, Wanda’s ultimate mission remains simple: to uplift, heal and inspire.

“I hope my music changes people’s lives for the better,” she said. “May it bring healing. And may my life be a lesson that if you set your mind to it, you can achieve it.”

From Durban’s streets to SA’s biggest stages, Wanda’s journey is one of resilience, versatility and unshakable passion. And if her track record is anything to go by, the best is yet to come.

Below are Lutho Pasiya’s top five Skye Wanda tracks:

• “Amazwi” – a spiritual anthem of gratitude and protection, layered with Wanda’s haunting harmonies.
• “Girl In The Mirror” – a heartfelt Zakes Bantwini collaboration turned sing-along favourite that helped define her dance sound.
• “Take Me Away” – a pulsating, romantic track about the intoxicating surrender of love, delivered with silky vocals.
• “Mama Thula” – a soulful, genre-blending collaboration with Bantwini, Thakzin and Suffocate SA that’s now among her most-streamed.