Mlindo The Vocalist Breaks His Silence, Rebuilds Career and Brotherhood with Maphorisa

Mlindo The Vocalist is making a powerful return to the spotlight, having spent the last two years cleaning up his act and making deliberate choices about the people he allows into his space. The 29-year-old singer, whose real name is Lindokuhle Mgedezi, says he needed time to grow up after nearly losing everything to bad decisions, public controversy, and personal missteps.

Speaking to Sowetan, Mlindo reflected on how fame came fast and without guidance. As a young artist, he says he didn’t know how to navigate the pressures that came with success. The result? A string of incidents that left fans questioning his professionalism—from viral videos suggesting he was drunk on stage to a widely publicised fallout with the very person who introduced him to the industry, DJ Maphorisa.

“There was a lot of growing up that needed to happen,” he admitted. “I took time away from the spotlight. I’m in a happy space now. I’m more indoors and family-oriented. I’ve even set up a studio at home just so I can protect my energy. I’m also intentional about who I surround myself with.”

Mlindo explained that being young and inexperienced left him vulnerable to the influence of people who didn’t always have his best interests at heart. “I was outside a lot, getting too much advice from the wrong people. Most of their advice got me into trouble and caused me to trend for all the wrong reasons. From management issues to the Maphorisa saga—it all painted a narrative that wasn’t true.”

After much speculation and silence, Mlindo has confirmed that he and DJ Maphorisa have reconciled. “We had internal influences that compromised our relationship. But we spoke on the phone, cleared the air. I told him I had no issues with him, and everything that was said didn’t come from me. He gave me my big break, and I told him I still wanted to work with him.”

The two are not just on good terms—they’re working together again. Mlindo revealed that they’ll both perform at a Mandela Day charity event and that he will also appear at the Scorpion Kings live concert. Kabza De Small is even helping him organize sound for his upcoming homecoming concert in Port Shepstone. “The brotherhood is going strong,” he said.

During his time away, Mlindo found support in unexpected places. “Somizi called me just to check in after that video of me on stage went viral. At the time, I couldn’t defend myself, but I appreciated it. I also got encouragement from malome Sjava. He told me that whatever I’m going through, the best way to deal with it is to keep making music. That’s my safe space.”

Mlindo is now focused on rebranding and reconnecting with his core fans. “I’m still figuring that out, but the intention is there. Just knowing that I’m going back to the stage to do what brings me joy makes me smile. I’m rebuilding myself because of the people who stayed.”

He also set the record straight on rumours that have followed him for years. “I want to put it on record that I don’t have an alcohol or drug problem. That narrative was false and unfair.”

His upcoming album holds onto the beloved Mlindo sound—soulful Afro Pop with emotion and storytelling at its core. He promises a mix of love songs, motivational tracks, and even one inspired by North African influences reminiscent of Oliver Mtukudzi, Zonke, and Lira. “The way we wrote and produced this album shows how much I’ve grown. I’m excited to see how people receive it.”

After stepping back to reflect, regroup and re-align with the right people, Mlindo The Vocalist is finally ready to write a new chapter. And this time, he’s in full control of the pen.