Singer and songwriter Lusanda has been named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador of the Month, marking another major milestone in the rising artist’s career.
The recognition comes as Lusanda prepares to release her new single, “Lunchbox”, on Friday, September 11. The song closes out her three-track project, By The Time I Wake Up, which opened with “Progress” and continued with the project’s title track.
The Spotify EQUAL programme, which supports and amplifies women artists, has already played an important role in Lusanda’s career, helping her reach audiences and opportunities that have shaped her journey.
“I want people to feel something when they hear my voice,” says Lusanda. “I write from things I’ve actually been through, and if my music helps someone feel a little less alone, or helps them heal from something that’s the whole point for me.”
A full-circle moment
For Lusanda, becoming the EQUAL Africa Ambassador of the Month carries particular significance because of her history with the programme.
She credits EQUAL with supporting some of the earliest major milestones in her career, including her first major headline performance in Johannesburg and her Spotify Singles recording session.
“EQUAL is the reason I got to play my first major show here in Johannesburg,” Lusanda says. “Being part of a programme that actually puts its resources behind women artists has meant everything.”
Her latest recognition therefore represents more than another accolade – it is a continuation of a relationship that has helped her develop as an artist.
Building a strong R&B identity
Lusanda has steadily established herself as one of the emerging voices shaping South Africa’s contemporary R&B landscape.
Her catalogue includes collaborations with artists and producers such as Uncle Waffles, Manana and Mörda, while her upcoming and recent work has seen her connect with Nasty C, Tellaman, Clxrity and Dwson.
Her project By The Time I Wake Up was written with producer Anoop D’Souza, whose credits include work with Tems, Summer Walker, Syd and Asake. The collaboration came together after the pair connected in Ghana before continuing their creative work in South Africa.
“Progress”, produced by Sunny Kale alongside Charlotte Day Wilson and Biako, further helped build momentum around Lusanda’s music.
From viral cover to Spotify history
Lusanda’s breakthrough began in 2023 when a stripped-down cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” went viral.
The attention paved the way for her debut single, “When You’re Around”, produced by UK producer Noxz, and opened the door to increasingly significant opportunities.
She subsequently became the first South African woman to be featured on Spotify Singles, where she delivered a reimagined version of “Mad World”.
Her growing profile was further recognised when she was selected for Apple Music’s Africa Rising Class of 2025.
Now, with Spotify naming her its EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month for September, Lusanda is entering another important chapter in her career.
‘Lunchbox’ arrives this week
“Lunchbox” will be released on Friday, September 11, completing the three-track By The Time I Wake Up body of work.
The release will be followed by an intimate Track by Track listening session at &Friends/Mamakashaka in Braamfontein on September 17.
Lusanda is expected to take fans through the project in her own words, sharing the stories and creative process behind the music, with additional surprises planned for the evening.
A multidisciplinary creative
Born in Durban and raised in Johannesburg, Lusanda Ngcobo – known professionally simply as Lusanda – has developed a creative identity that extends beyond music.
She trained as a classical ballerina from the age of five and later studied Theatre and Performance, specialising in choreography, at the University of Cape Town.
That background has become part of the foundation of her artistic expression, combining music, performance and movement as she continues to carve out her place in South Africa’s R&B scene.
“Lunchbox” and the complete By The Time I Wake Up project will be available on all major streaming platforms from Friday, September 11, 2026.
