Former Big Brother Mzansi season six housemate Wanda Gumede, better known as King Wanda, is stepping into a new chapter with his debut EP, iCulo, while an AI-generated audio version of this story is also available.
Key takeaways
- iCulo contains eight tracks, including an intro, and explores romance, loss, spirituality and parenthood.
- King Wanda says his seven-month-old daughter, Ulu, is the project’s central inspiration.
- The EP features Ulu’s vocals, poet Lethu Nkwanyana and season six winner Liyema Pantsi.
- The reality star says nearly 18 years of setbacks have strengthened his determination to pursue music.
- He has more than 150 unreleased songs and hopes to put out another intimate EP before year’s end.
King Wanda turns fatherhood into music
The eight-song release, which includes an introductory track, draws from several stages of the performer’s life. Its themes move through relationships, emotional pain, belief and the experience of becoming a father.
King Wanda said choosing a title connected to his daughter was an uncomplicated decision. Ulu, who is seven months old, has become the driving force behind his creative work and his plans for the future.
He said his progress in music has taken almost 18 years, but he wants his daughter to understand that a delayed dream is still worth pursuing. In his view, persistence matters more than speed, and quitting should never be considered. He described Ulu as the brightest part of his life and said his efforts are now centred on providing a future for her.
Ulu also appears directly on the project: her voice can be heard on the final song. Other guests include internationally recognised poet Lethu Nkwanyana, who features on the fan favourite Zanele, and Big Brother Mzansi season six champion Liyema Pantsi, who appears on Mangwane.
A musical dream built on resilience
King Wanda acknowledged that entertainment careers can change without warning, but said repeated rejection has helped him develop the strength to continue. Although audiences often associate him with comedy, he maintained that music has always been his true passion.
He is pleased that listeners are beginning to view him as a committed musician rather than only the funny personality they know from television. He also expressed confidence in his abilities as both a songwriter and performer. For now, he is focused on creating strong songs, recording them and releasing them, leaving the timing of his breakthrough in God’s hands.
His experience on Big Brother Mzansi also helped prepare him for the unpredictable nature of public life. Being watched by viewers exposed him to enthusiastic praise as well as severe criticism, teaching him to build emotional resilience.
He recalled once allowing a single hostile comment to overshadow a hundred encouraging ones. That has changed, he said: he now values the support he receives without allowing negative reactions to determine how he sees himself.
With iCulo now available, King Wanda intends to maintain his momentum. He says his catalogue already contains over 150 unreleased songs and that he wants to share another, even more personal EP before the year ends. He is also looking ahead to performing the new material for live audiences.
