Heartfelt tributes are flowing across social media as the music industry mourns the passing of beloved musician Yallunder, whose real name was Yolanda Nyembezi.
The talented artist, only 30 years old, died on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Charlotte Maxeke Academy Hospital in Johannesburg, as announced by her family on Friday, March 14.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the untimely passing of our loved one uYolanda Nyembezi,” the family stated.
“Proceedings of the memorial and burial will be shared by the family. Please allow the family and friends privacy during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences to all those who loved and celebrated Yolanda’s life.”
The family revealed that Yallunder had been battling an illness for several months but that she fought valiantly until her final moments.
The news of her passing resonated deeply within the music community, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike.
Duduzile Media expressed their condolences by stating: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of @Yallunder. A true inspiration in the music industry. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace. Your music will live on forever.”
Phislash reflected on her promising future, remarking: “Yallunder was so young with such a bright future. She owned every feature she ever got, had an angelic voice, was always humble and gave us timeless music.” The legacy of her artistry was touchingly encapsulated by Realstaggy, who thanked her for the “beautiful, inspiring music,” acknowledging her impact on countless lives.
Born in Bizana, Eastern Cape, Yallunder garnered attention in 2018 with her captivating covers, leading influential figures such as Black Coffee and Sjava to take notice. Sjava played a pivotal role in her career by signing her to his record label, 1020 Cartel.
This partnership catalysed her emergence as a recording artist, contributing to the collective album “iSambulo” in 2020 with the standout track “Ndinovalo” alongside collaborations like “Inhliziyo” and “Abanjan”.
In 2020, Yallunder also released her debut project, “Uthando Lwam”, marking her entrance into the house music genre. With her unique voice and undeniable talent, she collaborated with prominent DJs and producers such as Lemon & Herb, Kabza De Small, Oskido, Morda, Kelvin Momo and Heavy K, solidifying her status in the industry.
As her career expanded, Yallunder embarked on a new chapter as an independent artist under her label, Masani Music, with aspirations to create and release even more music that touched hearts and healed souls.
As her fans now grapple with the loss of a luminary, Yallunder's music will undoubtedly continue to resonate, reminding us all of her remarkable talent and the profound impact she has left behind.