Queen Sinda Ahead of this Mother’s Day, emerging South African vocalist and songwriter Queen Sinda, will release a new single in tribute to matriarchs.
Image: Staff Reporter
This Mother’s Day, emerging South African vocalist and songwriter Queen Sinda, Lusinda Rolisisu, from Langa, offers a moving tribute to the unsung heroines who raised generations with unconditional love and quiet strength.
Her debut single, Uthando Nguwe (translated as Love Is You), is a deeply personal anthem celebrating the grandmother who shaped her life — and countless others like her. Produced through the Beyond Busking Project, an initiative of the Cape Town Arts Festival in collaboration with Ariva Arts Foundation, Uthando Nguwe is a song for anyone who was raised by the women who mothered from the margins — grandmothers, aunts, and matriarchs whose love defined our beginnings.
“On Mother’s Day 2005, my grandmother left this earthly shove,” says Lusinda. “But her spirit remains. Her wisdom, love, and gentle hands continue to shape my path in this life’s grand plan. I wrote Uthando Nguwe because she lives on through a legacy of love. I know many others were raised by their grandparents too — this song is for them.”
Queen Sinda is no stranger to the stage. Known for her versatility across genres, including gospel, jazz, pop, and musical theatre, Lusinda has performed as a soloist for the Western Cape Police Choir (POLMUSCA), Petro SA Choir, and was featured on Africa Voices Trust in 2017. That same year, she released her debut album Ungithwalile after winning a recording deal with Gobz Nogwaja Productions. In 2024, she created and performed her own musical showcase, The Music Experience with Queen Sinda, blending jazz and gospel influences while spotlighting local talent. But it was through the Beyond Busking Project, a groundbreaking arts incubator for aspiring street musicians and undiscovered talent, that Queen Sinda found the tools to bring her most personal project to life.
“I’m so grateful to be part of the Beyond Busking programme,” she says. “It helped me fulfil my dream of writing my granny the song I’ve always wanted to. It was fun and amazing to work with everyone — I enjoyed every single lesson. I’m so excited to be releasing my first official single. Thank you to Cape Town Arts Festival and Ariva Arts Foundation — you guys are the best!”
Yusuf Ganief, CEO of the Cape Town Arts Festival, reflects on Lusinda’s journey: “Uthando Nguwe is a stunning tribute — not just to one woman, but to all the unseen matriarchs whose love shaped our lives. Lusinda brings truth, vulnerability, and power to her music. This is exactly what the Beyond Busking platform was designed to nurture: raw talent rooted in community, legacy, and purpose.”
Now in its fourth year, the Beyond Busking Project continues transforming South Africa’s cultural landscape by equipping aspiring artists with songwriting, musical arrangement, stage presence, and studio recording training. From buskers to breakout stars, the program empowers musicians to tell their stories with skill and heart — from the streets to the stage and beyond.
Uthando Nguwe will be available on all major streaming platforms from Friday, May 9.