Nue_Sam Celebrates a Sound of Her Own on New EP uNingqayizivele
South African singer-songwriter Nue_Sam is stepping firmly into her own musical identity with uNingqayizivele, a soulful six-track EP that brings the storytelling traditions of Maskandi into conversation with the freedom and contemporary energy of Afro-Pop.
Released on 18 September 2026, uNingqayizivele — a title that speaks to being unique or one of a kind — finds Nue_Sam creating a sound that feels both rooted and forward-looking.
Listen to uNingqayizivele
The EP is available to stream now.
Traditional guitar-led textures and the storytelling spirit of Maskandi sit alongside modern production throughout the project, creating a musical space where different generations and influences can meet.
Rather than choosing between tradition and contemporary sounds, Nue_Sam allows the two to exist side by side.
Nue_Sam Finds Her Own Musical Language
Across its six tracks, uNingqayizivele explores the experiences that shape everyday life — from love and relationships to ambition, hardship, celebration and the determination to keep moving forward.
At the heart of the project is Nue_Sam’s songwriting. Her approach draws from familiar experiences and emotions, turning them into stories that feel personal while remaining accessible to listeners who may recognise elements of their own lives in the music.
The result is a project that places storytelling at the centre while giving Nue_Sam room to explore the possibilities of contemporary South African music.
Shwi Mantombazane, Anzo and More
uNingqayizivele also brings Nue_Sam together with other voices from the South African music landscape, including Shwi Mantombazane and Anzo.
Their contributions add further dimensions to a project already built around the meeting of musical traditions.
One of the standout moments is “Memeza” featuring Anzo, which captures the EP’s balance between heritage and contemporary expression.
On the track, Nue_Sam and Anzo bring their voices together over a sound grounded in South African musical tradition, while maintaining space for both artists to showcase their individual character.
Where Maskandi Meets Afro-Pop
With uNingqayizivele, Nue_Sam approaches Maskandi as a living musical language rather than something confined to the past.
The EP draws from the genre’s distinctive storytelling qualities and guitar-led textures while allowing those elements to interact with modern Afro-Pop production.
That balance gives the project a sense of familiarity without making it feel stuck in a particular era.
For Nue_Sam, tradition becomes a foundation from which new ideas can grow — carrying forward the stories, emotion and identity that have helped South African music connect across generations.
uNingqayizivele Is Out Now
With its six tracks, collaborations and blend of traditional and contemporary influences, uNingqayizivele marks an important step in Nue_Sam’s musical journey.
The EP is out now and available to stream.
Listen to Nue_Sam’s uNingqayizivele:
Listeners can also follow Nue_Sam across her social platforms for new music, updates and more.
Follow Nue_Sam: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
