Mlindo the Vocalist reveals his struggles before fame on the 'Piano Pulse' podcast

IOL News

25-06-2025

Mlindo the Vocalist opened up about the financial hardships he faced despite the success of his debut album "Emakhaya".
Image: Instagram.
In an enlightening episode of the "Piano Pulse" podcast, South African singer Mlindo the Vocalist opened up about the triumphs and tribulations of fame.
Known for his melodies and emotional lyrics, Mlindo revealed the underlying shyness that accompanies his public persona.
"I'm a very shy person ... They didn't tell me it comes with all these things. If I knew, I would have told them to let me just record the music and not show my face. When I am on stage performing, for the first two songs I close my eyes," he admitted.
Taking listeners through his journey in the music industry, Mlindo recounted a moment with the late rapper Riky Rick, who played a crucial role in shaping his early career.
"Riky asked me what I was wearing, and it was the only clothes I had. He went to his wardrobe and gave me a Maxhosa tracksuit and sneakers. Riky gave me clothes. He didn't take me to the shop to buy clothes or send me money, he took clothes from his wardrobe when I went into the studio, because I was wearing nonsense."
This generous act marked the beginning of a successful collaboration between the two artists that resulted in the hit song "You and I".
"From there was the birth of Mlindo with the album 'Emakhaya', featuring DJ Maphorisa and Sjava," he said.
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Before his breakout success, however, he had experienced his own share of struggles, having recorded tracks with artists like Sun-El Musician and Simmy.
Later, Mlindo confessed his challenges with songwriting: "I always doubt what I write and I lose interest, so all I need is the idea, like what are we talking about on the song, how am I flowing on this harmony and then sharp, that's it."
However, fame came with its challenges. Despite the success of "Emakhaya", Mlindo shared the financial hurdles he faced during the lockdown.
"Lockdown hit when I was home, in Port Shepstone. I couldn't be locked down this side. The coins were not coining," he said.
Yet, in a positive turn, he used earnings from his past gigs to buy his mother a house in Margate, KZN.
The podcast episode has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many fans expressing outrage at DJ Maphorisa's perceived lack of support for Mlindo.
Comments flooded in, questioning how an artist with such a successful debut could walk away with little to show.
@DladlaT_ wrote on X: "Phori robbed our boy, 'which money'."
@uKilla_K said: "Ahhhhhhh, broer didn't make anything from 'Emakhaya'? That's a top 10 most-streamed album. How is this possible?"
ahhhhhhh, broer didnt make anything from Emakhaya? That's a top 10 most streamed album. How is this possible? — ModernDay Laqhasha (@uKilla_K) June 24, 2025
Meanwhile, @swartblack commended the professionalism of DJ Maphorisa: "After watching #PianoPulse with @MlindoRSA look, the respect I have for @DjMaphorisa shows maturity and level headed human being. Le botho."
After watching #PianoPulse with @MlindoRSA look, the respect I have for @DjMaphorisa shows maturity and level headed human being. Le botho. — MfanaWaLeSUPA (@swartblack) June 24, 2025
Watch the full episode below.