After years of establishing herself as one of South Africa’s most soulful and bold performers, acclaimed singer-songwriter Skye Wanda is entering a fresh era with Grammy-winning musician, producer and entrepreneur Zakes Bantwini. The artist, whose birth name is Nonhle Aretha Mhlongo, has officially joined Bantwini’s Mayonie Productions. The pair, who share a creative partnership and a long history of working together, have known one another for over 20 years.
“We first met in 2015, and began working together two years later,” Skye Wanda says.
“At the time, I was signed to a different company. But Zakes and I spoke about what would help me grow, and we agreed that it was time to make things official and for me to become part of the family.”
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Their creative partnership has already delivered standout work, including the widely praised album Echoes of Botanical Gardens. Their fan-loved track “Focus” gave audiences a glimpse of the trust, imagination and shared love of enduring music at the heart of their collaboration. That bond is now moving from the recording studio into a lasting business relationship, with the promise of fresh releases, larger performances and possibilities extending beyond South Africa.
“I had some doubts about signing with a label led by another artist, but we have worked together, and I respect his discipline. Mayonie also has a brilliant group of creatives, and I connect with them very well. It felt like the right moment to join,” she says.
For Skye Wanda, the agreement represents an organic continuation of her career.
“My goal has always been to make music that feels truthful, soulful and able to stand the test of time. I’m thankful to have a team around me that genuinely understands what I want to create. I’m excited to make special music, develop further as an artist and share this new season with the people who support me,” Skye Wanda says.
This achievement follows years of remaining committed to her identity as an artist. As musical fashions have shifted, she has developed a distinctive path through a sound combining soul, Afro-inspired elements and modern influences. Her vocals bring together tenderness, emotional openness and power. Instead of focusing only on mainstream success, she has prioritised sincerity, using each song to tell a story and every live appearance to make an enduring impact.
Skye Wanda grew up in Chesterville, a lively township near Durban, and began making music when she was five.
“I have never known a world without music. I was raised in a family filled with music, so finding my way into this career felt natural,” she says.
“Performing is part of who I am. My love of the stage and my desire to entertain pushed me forward. Everything became more exciting when I discovered that I could write songs — and create songs that could become hits.”
Her introduction to the music industry came after she competed on Idols SA.
“That experience showed me the industry as it really is, rather than allowing me to have an unrealistic idea of fame,” she says.
“It taught me that being genuine matters most. I like seeing new sounds and fashions emerge and disappear, but I feel that my music exists beyond trends,” she adds.
Her songwriting is rooted in events she has personally lived through.
“My whole life finds its way into my writing. I draw from being raised without my father, navigating depression and long-term anxiety, the love I have received from my family, and seeing the world from a child’s perspective. Every part of me shapes the songs, whether the experience behind them was painful or joyful.”
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