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 iTunes () is a software program that acts as a media player, media library, mobile device management utility, and the client app for the iTunes Store. Developed by Apple Inc., it is used to purchase, play, download, and organize digital mul ...

number one. The band first gained prominence for their single "Ibhanoyi" released 2019, which received " SAMA Record of the year" . Their second studio album ''Umuthi'' (2020), spawned two platinum selling singles "Ibhanoyi" and "Love Letter".

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 Johannesburg ( , , ; Zulu and xh, eGoli ), colloquially known as Jozi, Joburg, or "The City of Gold", is the largest city in South Africa, classified as a megacity, and is one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world. According to Demo ...

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.

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. In the winter of 2017, they released their debut album ''Inqola'' to critical acclaim. The album is a fusion of

Afro-soul Afro-soul is a music genre that has African characteristics of soul music. It has emotional vocals, especially of the lead singer. There is a very strong link between Afro-soul and other genres like Afro-Jazz, Amapiano, and Afrobeats. Notable ...

with Maskandi and umBhaqanga fusion which they made sound modern and youthful. At the

24th South African Music Awards The 24th Annual South African Music Awards was held at Sun City, in the North West on June 2, 2018. The list of nominees was announced on April 19, 2018 at Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni. Mafikizolo, Mi Casa and Shekhinah each received a node of n ...

, 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

2019-2020: ''Umuthi''

On May 2, 2019, their single "Memeza" featuring

Sjava Jabulani Hadebe (born 2 December 1983), known professionally as Sjava, is a South African singer, rapper, and actor. He began his acting career in 2005, starring in several drama series and films including '' uGugu no Andile'' (2009). He then ro ...

was released, as album's lead single. The song peaked number 9 on Radio Airplay Charts. In August 2, their second single "Ibhanoyi" was released. The song peaked number one

charts. At the 26th ceremony of

South African Music Awards The South African Music Awards (often simply the SAMAs) are the Recording Industry of South Africa's music industry awards, established in 1995. The ceremony is held annually, usually in late April or May, with the judging process starting in N ...

, "Ibhanoyi" won Record of the Year. On January 23, 2020, their third single "Love Letter" was released. The song peaked number 3 on iTunes charts and number 11 on Radio Airplay Charts. On 31 January 2020, their second studio album ''Umuthi'' was released. The album features

, Ci Ci, Thee legacy and Igcokama Elisha. The album produced three singles "Memeza", "Love Letter" and "Ibhanoyi. The album debuted at number 1 on

Albums Charts. On June 2020, they established Umuthi Records joint-venture with Ambitiouz Entertainment. 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 and debuted number one on ''Channel 0'' Top 30 music chart.

2021-present: new projects

In June 4, they released a single "Messiah" featuring Dumi Mkokstad. The song garnned 3 million views on YouTube. Nkosikhona ngagane Khumalo who is located in Ekuvukeni . He was the first biggest fan of Blaq Daimond in KwaZulu Natal. 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. In October 29, their single "Italy" was released. In December 2021,the duo left Ambitiouz Entertainment. In early September 2022, they announced a single "Qoma" featuring South African singers Big Zulu and Siya Ntuli on Instagram.

Group members ( Blaq Diamond )

Current members

* Ndumiso Mdletshe ( Ndu Browns) - (2010–present) * Siphelele Dunywa ( Danya Devs)- (2010–present)

Discography

* ''Inqola'' (2017) * ''Umuthi'' (2020) *''TBA'' (2023)

Awards and nominations

References

{{reflist South African musical duos People from KwaZulu-Natal South African hip hop musicians Musical groups established in 2010 Year of birth missing (living people) 2010 establishments in South Africa