Blaq Diamond

Blaq Diamond (stylized 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 (2017), which became their first iTunes number one.

Blaq Diamond
OriginLadysmith KwaZulu-Natal
Genres
Years active2011-present
Labels
  • Ambitiouz Entertainment (Former)
  • Umuthi Records (Current)
MembersNdumiso Mdletshe
Sphelele Dunywa

The band first gained prominence for their single "Ibhanoyi" released 2019, which received "SAMA Record of the year" .[2]

Their second studio album Umuthi (2020), spawned two platinum selling singles "Ibhanoyi" and "Love Letter".[3][4]

History

2010-2017

In 2010, they 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.[5]

2017-2019:Inqola

In early 2017, the duo signed a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment and began to work on the debut album. In June 19, their album's lead single "Sthandwa" was released followed by second single "Emzini kaBaba" which was accompanied by music video.[6] In the winter of 2017, they released their debut album Inqola to critical acclaim.[7] The album is a fusion of Afro-soul with Maskandi and umBhaqanga fusion which they made sound modern and youthful.[7] At the 24th South African Music Awards, they received two SAMA Awards nominations. In 2018, they performed for the first time in Piertermaritzburg invited by a local event group to perform in a fashion show [8]

2019-2020: Umuthi

On May 2, 2019, their single "Memeza" featuring Sjava was released,[9] as album's lead single. The song peaked number 9 on Radio Airplay Charts. In August 2, their second single "Ibhanoyi" was released.[10] The song peaked number one iTunes charts.[11] At the 26th ceremony of South African Music Awards, "Ibhanoyi" won Record of the Year.[12]

On January 23, 2020, their third single "Love Letter" was released.[13] The song peaked number 3 on iTunes charts and number 11 on Radio Airplay Charts.[14]

On 31 January 2020, their second studio album Umuthi was released.[15] The album features Sjava, Ci Ci, Thee legacy and Igcokama Elisha. The album produced three singles "Memeza", "Love Letter" and "Ibhanoyi. The album debuted at number 1 on iTunes Albums Charts.[16]

On June 2020, they established Umuthi Records joint-venture with Ambitiouz Entertainment.[17] In mid of 2020, the duo made collaboration on "Price to pay" and "Uhulumeni" by DJ Miss Pru. In November 20, their single "Summer YoMuthi" was released [18] and debuted number one on Channel 0 Top 30 music chart.[19]

2021-present: new projects

In June 4, they released a single "Messiah" featuring Dumi Mkokstad. The song garnned 3 million views on YouTube.[20]

At the 6th ceremony of All Africa Music Awards their song "Summer YoMuthi" received eight nominations includes; Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa, Artiste of the Year in Africa; Song of the Year in Africa; Producer of the Year in Africa; Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music; Breakout Artiste of the Year; Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop; Best African Duo, Group or Band.[21] In October 29, their single "Italy" was released.[22]

In December 2021,the duo left Ambitiouz Entertainment.[23][24]

In early September 2022, they announced a single "Qoma" featuring South African singers Big Zulu and Siya Ntuli on Instagram.[25]Blaq Diamond later on released a new song from their upcoming album "Abathakathi" which is iCareer on 24 May 2023.

Group members

Current members
  • Ndumiso Mdletshe - (2010–present)
  • Siphelele Dunywa - (2010–present)

Discography
  • Inqola (2017)
  • Umuthi (2020)

Awards and nominations
Year Award Ceremony Category Results Ref.
2020 SAMA Song of the year Won [26]
Afro pop Album of the Year Nominated
KZN Entertainment Awards Newest Find Nominated [27]
2021 MTV Africa Music Awards 2021 Best Group Won [28]
SAMA 27 Artist of the Year Won [29]
AFRIMMA Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa Won [30][31]
Artiste of the Year in Africa Nominated
Song of the Year in Africa Won
Producer of the Year in Africa Nominated
Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music Nominated
Breakout Artiste of the Year Nominated
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop Nominated
Best African Duo, Group or Band Nominated

References
  1. "Afro Pop duo Blaq Diamond joins us as our Friday profile". 702.co.za. 6 April 2019.
  2. "2020 Record of the Year Winner : blaq Diamond – Ibhanoyi". Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  3. "Blaq Diamond Goes Multi-Platinum on Umuthi Album and Three Singles". 16 January 2021. Archived from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
  4. "Blaq Diamond Receives Four Platinum Plaques!".
  5. Kandie, Lynn (2020-03-03). "Interesting facts about Blaq Diamond and why we all love them". Briefly. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  6. "Blaq Diamond Releases Visuals for "Emzini Kababa" - Online Youth Magazine | Zkhiphani.com". Zkhiphani. 20 May 2018.
  7. Ntsinde, Mandisa (2017-11-22). "Afro Pop Duo, Blaq Diamond Release Debut Album Titled Inqola". Online Youth Magazine | Zkhiphani.com. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  8. "Blaq Diamond embrace being in love in the latest video". Soweto Urban. 2019-03-14. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  9. The Journalist (6 May 2019). "Blaq Diamond and Sjava scream for help on memeza". Zkhiphani.
  10. "WATCH: Blaq Diamond's Ibhanoyi has finally landed - Soweto Urban". Soweto Urban. 23 August 2019. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  11. "Ibhanoyi - Blaq Diamond - Chart History | Top Charts". Top Charts.
  12. Reporter, Entertainment. "Blaq Diamond bags Record of The Year Award at SAMA26 grand finale". Independent Online. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  13. Ntsinde, Mandisa (24 January 2020). "WATCH: Blaq Diamond Drop Compelling Visuals For Latest Single, "Love Letter"". Zkhiphani.
  14. "Love Letter Charts". Top Charts.
  15. Mkhabela, Sabelo. "Listen to Blaq Diamond's New Album 'Umuthi' - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  16. Jabulani, John (3 February 2020). "Blaq Diamond's Umuthi Album Rolls In At Number 1". Ubetoo.
  17. Jabulani, John (20 June 2020). "Blaq Diamond In Partnership With Ambitiouz Entertainment Unveils "Umuthi Records". Ubetoo. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  18. Manjo, Theo. "Blaq Diamond Release Their New Single "SummerYoMuthi" | Slikouronlife". Slikouronlife. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  19. "Channel O - Blaq Diamond, Mduduzi, Big Zulu Dominate — Channel O Top 30". Channel O Top 30. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  20. Bukola (August 11, 2021). "Blaq Diamond's 'Messiah' hits over 3million views". Fakaza News. South Africa.
  21. Odunsi, Wale (September 23, 2021). "AFRIMA 2021: Blaq Diamond, Focalistic, Wizkid lead nominations - Daily Post Nigeria". Daily Post Nigeria.
  22. Manjo, Theo. "Blaq Diamond Drop Their New Song & Visuals Titled "Italy" | Slikouronlife". Slikouronlife. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  23. Mphande, Joy (2022-07-15). "Blaq Diamond 'fully independent' after leaving AmbitiouzEntertainment". TshisaLIVE. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  24. "We're back in business, says Blaq Diamond following split". Sunday World. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2022-09-27.
  25. "Duo Blaq Diamond Announces New Song, "QOMA" Featuring Big Zulu & Siya Ntuli". 12 September 2022.
  26. "Blaq Diamond bags Record of The Year Award at SAMA26 grand finale". iol.co.za. 7 August 2020.
  27. "Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". The South African. 16 December 2020.
  28. "Here Are the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards Nominees". OkayAfrica. 2020-12-11. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  29. Shumba, Ano (31 July 2021). "SAMAs 2021: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.
  30. "Afrima Nominations 2021: Full list of nominees both Nigerians, oda Africans artists - BBC News Pidgin". BBC. UK. 23 September 2021.
  31. Chanda, Bwalya (2021-11-22). "2021 AFRIMMA Awards winners full list - ZambiaNews365". Zambia: ZambiaNews365. Archived from the original on 2021-11-27. Retrieved 2021-11-26.
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