Afro-Soul Singer Yallunder Remembered in a Heartfelt Memorial
Afhulufhedzeaho Mulaudzi 
The South African music industry is mourning the loss of Yolanda “Yallunder” Nyembezi, a talented Afro-soul singer whose influence continues to be celebrated. The 30-year-old artist, originally from Bizana in the Eastern Cape, passed away on March 13 at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital after months of illness.
A heartfelt memorial service was held on March 19 at Cosmo City Multi-Purpose Community Centre in Johannesburg, where friends, family, and industry peers gathered to honor her life and career.
Music icons such as Oskido, Mnqobi Yazo, and Sjava—who played a pivotal role in her discovery—attended the service to pay their respects. Sjava, who introduced Yallunder to the industry, expressed deep sorrow at losing someone he considered family.
Reflecting on their working relationship, Oskido recalled his admiration for her dedication and artistry. “When she arrived at the studio, I liked her way of working. She told me Sjava had discovered her, and even though she wasn’t signed to our label, we became family,” he said.
He also revealed that Yallunder had been struggling financially while battling her illness. “I asked her if she had consulted a doctor, and she said no. When I asked why, she said she didn’t have money. I then called my sister, who helped her see our family doctor. The doctor discovered it was serious, and she was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital. I used to check in on her, and she always said she was alright—until we heard she was no more,” he shared.
Musician Mnqobi Yazo recounted how he first discovered Yallunder when she posted covers of songs by Sjava and Black Coffee on social media. Her distinctive voice and raw talent quickly gained recognition, leading to collaborations with some of the industry's biggest names.
Despite facing health challenges, Yallunder remained dedicated to her craft. “Even though she was going through a lot, she didn’t want to talk about it. I knew she wasn’t well, but she never let it affect her music,” Oskido added.
The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed, but her legacy endures through the music she left behind.
