Blaq Diamond

Blaq Diamond is a South African Afro pop duo from Ladysmith KwaZulu-Natal. They met in 2010 on a school trip where both participated in a music cypher in the school bus. They signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment, releasing their debut album "Inqola" in 2017, earning them two SAMA nominations.[2] This was followed by their second album "Umuthi" (2019) which received "SAMA Record of the year" for the breakthrough hit "Ibhanoyi".[3]

Blaq Diamond
OriginLadysmith KwaZulu-Natal
Genres
Years active2010–present
Labels
Associated acts
MembersNdumiso Mdletshe
Sphelele Dunywa

History

2010-2017

In 2010 the duo met while on a school trip where they participated in a rap cypher in the school bus and began spending more time together, participating in school functions which earned them recognition in the community and local surroundings. The two decided to move to Johannesburg for better musical prospects which proved difficult at first as, not knowing anyone, forced them to get jobs to earn an income which was used to sustain their musical ambitions.[4]

2017-2020

In the winter of 2017 they released their debut album "Inqola" to critical acclaim gaining two SAMA Awards. in 2018 the duo performed for the first time in piertermaritzburg invited by a local event group to perform in a fashion show [5] The album is a fusion of Afro-soul with Maskandi and umBhaqanga fusion which they made sound modern and youthful.[6]

In 2019 they followed this up with their sophomore album "Umuthi" featuring several artists the likes of Sjava, Cici, Thee legacy and a few others. It also featured references to vintage South African genres such as mbhaqanga, maskandi and isicathamiya among others.in 2020 the duo continued braking waves in their commercial success having to be featured in chart-topping songs such price to pay and Uhulumeni by miss pru dj.This lead them to sign other upcoming young artist under their umbrella Umuthi records such as Sbahle who comes from Durban Umlazi Kwa Zulu-Natal with her debut record Elmlanjeni which played in most commercial radio station and music streaming platforms and was received well. As fans have grown to expect from the duo, the project consists of sincere songs that speak about relatable issues.[7]

Group Members
  • Ndumiso Mdletshe
  • Siphelele Dunywa

Discography
  • Inqola (2017)
  • Umuthi (2020)

Awards and Nominations
Year Award Ceremony Category Results Ref.
2020 SAMA Song of the year Won [8]

References
  1. "Afro Pop duo Blaq Diamond joins us as our Friday profile". 702.co.za. 6 April 2019.
  2. "SAMA nominees revealed". bizcommunity.com. 24 April 2018.
  3. "2020 Record of the Year Winner : Blaq Diamond – Ibhanoyi". Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  4. Kandie, Lynn (2020-03-03). "Interesting facts about Blaq Diamond and why we all love them". Briefly. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  5. "Blaq Diamond embrace being in love in the latest video". Soweto Urban. 2019-03-14. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  6. "Afro Pop Duo, Blaq Diamond Release Debut Album Titled Inqola". Online Youth Magazine | Zkhiphani.com. 2017-11-22. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  7. "Listen to Blaq Diamond's New Album 'Umuthi'". OkayAfrica. 2020-01-31. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  8. "Blaq Diamond bags Record of The Year Award at SAMA26 grand finale". iol.co.za. 7 August 2020.
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