Blaq Diamond, known alternatively as BlaQ Diamond, is a well-known Afro pop duo consisting of Ndumiso Mdletshe and Sphelele Dunywa, both originally from Ladysmith KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Their musical partnership began in 2010 when they met during a school trip and connected over their mutual passion for music, culminating in a memorable jam session on the school bus. After signing with Ambitiouz Entertainment, they released their debut album, Inqola, in 2017, which promptly reached number one on the iTunes charts.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Ndumiso Mdletshe Sphelele Dunywa |
| Date Of Birth: | May 7, 1993 |
| Place Of Birth: | Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South Africans |
| Occupation(s): | Singers, Songwriters, Rappers |
| Labels: | Ambitiouz Entertainment (Former)Umuthi Records (Current |
| Net Worth: | $2 Million |
Early Life And Education
During a school excursion in 2010, they connected over a spontaneous rap session on the school bus, sparking a friendship that led them to discover a shared passion for music.
As they started performing together at school events and gatherings, their talent caught the attention of their community, establishing them as local sensations.
In pursuit of greater opportunities in the music industry, the duo made the bold decision to relocate to Johannesburg. Despite facing initial challenges in a new city with no connections, they persevered by taking on regular jobs to support themselves while laying the groundwork for their musical aspirations.
Career
In early 2017, Blaq Diamond signed with Ambitiouz Entertainment and began working on their debut album. Their singles “Sthandwa” and “Emzini kaBaba” were released in June 2019, with the latter featuring a music video.
Their album “Inqola” dropped in the winter of 2017 to critical acclaim, blending Afro-soul with Maskandi and umBhaqanga influences into a modern and youthful sound.
The duo received two SAMA Awards nominations at the 24th South African Music Awards and made their first live performance in Pietermaritzburg in 2018 at a local fashion show.
Blaq Diamond released their single “Memeza” featuring Sjava on May 2, 2019, which reached number 9 on the Radio Airplay Charts. Their next single, “Ibhanoyi,” dropped on August 2 and hit number one on iTunes. They won Record of the Year for “Ibhanoyi” at the South African Music Awards.
Their third single, “Love Letter,” was released on January 23, 2020, peaking at number 3 on iTunes and number 11 on the Radio Airplay Charts. Their second album, Umuthi, featuring collaborations with Sjava, Ci Ci, Thee Legacy, and Igcokama Elisha, debuted at number one on the iTunes Albums Charts on January 31, 2020.
Blaq Diamond then formed Umuthi Records with Ambitiouz Entertainment in June 2020. They followed up with collaborations on DJ Miss Pru’s tracks before dropping their hit single “Summer YoMuthi” in November 2020, which topped the Channel 0 Top 30 music chart.
On June 4th, Blaq Diamond dropped the single “Messiah” featuring Dumi Mkokstad, which quickly racked up 3 million views on YouTube. Their track “Summer YoMuthi” was celebrated at the 6th All Africa Music Awards, garnering eight nominations, including Song of the Year in Africa.
In October 29, they released “Italy”. By December 2021, the duo parted ways with Ambitiouz Entertainment. Fast forward to early September 2022, they teased a new single “Qoma” featuring Big Zulu and Siya Ntuli on Instagram.
Their album “Zulu Romance”, a captivating mix of afro-pop with maskandi and isichathamiya influences, debuted on February 29, 2024, supported by singles “Qoma” and “Mangibona Wena”.
Personal Lives
Blaq Diamond is known for their discretion when it comes to their personal lives, choosing to maintain a level of privacy that sets them apart in the often scrutinized world of music and entertainment. Despite their rising fame and success, the duo prefers to keep details about their personal relationships, families, and daily activities out of the public eye.
Blaq Diamond Net Worth
Over the span of their artistic journey, Blaq Diamond has built a net worth of $2 million through their music endeavors.
Discography
Some popular songs and albums by Blaq Diamond include:
Songs
- Ibhanoyi
- Love Letter
- Emzini Ka Brian
- Woza My Love
- SummerYoMuthi
Albums
- Inqola (2017)
- Umuthi (2020)
- Blaq Diamond (2021)
- SummerYoMuthi (2021)