Lusanda Drops “Lunchbox” as She Takes the Spotlight as Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador
South African singer-songwriter Lusanda has plenty to celebrate this week.
Her new single, “Lunchbox,” arrives today, 11 September 2026, while she also takes on the spotlight as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador of the Month.
The release closes out her three-track project By The Time I Wake Up, following the songs “Progress” and “By The Time I Wake Up.”
And if you’re wondering whether Lusanda is having a good year, the answer is basically: yes. Very much yes. 😂
A new chapter for Lusanda
“Lunchbox” represents the latest step in Lusanda’s growing musical journey.
The singer has been building momentum through collaborations and performances while developing a sound that puts her voice and personal storytelling at the centre.
She has previously worked with producer Anoop D’Souza, whose credits include work with international artists such as Tems, Summer Walker, Syd and Asake.
Lusanda has also been involved in collaborations with artists including Nasty C, Tellaman, Clxrity and Dwson.
That’s a pretty impressive guest list for an artist still building her catalogue.
EQUAL Africa comes at the right time
Spotify’s EQUAL programme is designed to support and amplify women artists.
For Lusanda, the recognition comes with personal significance.
She says the programme played a role in helping her land her first major headline show in Johannesburg and supported her Spotify Singles session.
Being named the month’s ambassador therefore isn’t simply another title to add to the biography.
It represents a full-circle moment for an artist who has already benefited from the programme.
“Lunchbox” arrives today
Fans don’t have to wait much longer.
“Lunchbox” and the complete maxi single are available on streaming platforms from Friday, 11 September.
The release gives listeners another opportunity to get to know Lusanda’s music while she continues developing her own identity within South Africa’s increasingly diverse music scene.
And with streaming platforms playing such an important role in discovering new music, moments like the EQUAL recognition can help introduce emerging artists to audiences far beyond their immediate fan base.
She’s taking the music offline too
For anyone who prefers experiencing music in person, Lusanda is also preparing for an intimate listening experience in Johannesburg.
She is scheduled to host a Track by Track listening session at &Friends/Mamakashaka in Braamfontein on 17 September.
The event will give listeners an opportunity to hear Lusanda talk through the project in her own words, with additional surprises planned for the evening.
That kind of intimate experience is becoming increasingly popular among artists and fans.
Instead of simply pressing play and scrolling to the next song, listeners get to hear the stories, ideas and emotions behind the music directly from the person who created it.
From Johannesburg to a bigger audience
Lusanda’s latest achievement also reflects how South African artists are increasingly using digital platforms to build international audiences.
Streaming has changed the music game.
An artist no longer needs to rely exclusively on traditional radio or major record-label campaigns to reach listeners.
A song can travel from a studio in Johannesburg to playlists around Africa and the rest of the world with just a few clicks.
For younger artists especially, that creates opportunities that simply didn’t exist for previous generations.
Lusanda’s EQUAL Africa recognition is another example of how platforms can play a role in giving emerging voices greater visibility.
Press play
For Lusanda, “Lunchbox” arrives at an important moment.
She’s releasing new music, receiving international platform recognition and preparing to bring her project directly to fans.
That’s a pretty good Friday.
So if your weekend playlist needs something new, you know what to do.
Press play. 🎧
