LUSANDA

Lusanda Ngcobo, known mononymously as Lusanda, didn’t always plan to be a singer — she trained as a ballerina from age five and studied choreography at the University of Cape Town. Born in Durban and raised in Johannesburg, her early life was steeped in music and movement, from marimbas to choirs. Her vocal journey began on TikTok, where her covers, blending R&B stylings with pop, rap, and Amapiano, gained traction. In 2023, a spontaneous rendition of Outkast’s “Hey Ya” went viral, earning millions of views. By early 2024, she was in the studio with Manana and Uncle Waffles, resulting in the single “Echoes.” Her debut solo single, “When You’re Around” (Sept 2024), began as an improvisation over a TikTok beat by London producer noxz and has since become a fan favorite, reflecting her mix of pop, soul, and the jazz influences of her childhood.