JOHANNESBURG – Former Idols SA contestants Viwo Kulati and Brandon Dhludhlu have reunited four years after their Idols SA season 16 journey, collaborating on a new single, "Nguwe Wedwa," released on Thursday, 12 September.
The track showcases a unique chemistry between the two singers, blending their distinct vocal styles for a captivating musical experience.
Viwo, the 28-year-old soulful singer known for her powerful vocals, spoke with Daily Sun about the collaboration and her upcoming nationwide Rise Above tour, kicking off on Saturday, 14 September.
Reflecting on her journey since Idols SA, Viwo shared how the experience shaped her artistry.
"The journey hasn't been easy, but I've had some beautiful moments, like being a backing vocalist for Zonke Dikana and getting a Sama nomination in 2023. I've learned that timing is everything, and truly, delay doesn't mean denial," Viwo said.
The inspiration for "Nguwe Wedwa" stems from a shared theme of love, evident in both Viwo's 2019 EP and Brandon's hit "Ngelosi" from his LOVE EP.
"We've never tried to record together before but stayed in touch," Viwo explained.
"I noticed we both released EPs around the theme of love… The shared theme made him a perfect fit for the song. I also feel our voices complement each other really well."
Viwo elaborated on the timing of the collaboration, stating: "This is a love song dedicated to the people who stand by us and support our dreams. It encourages building together in relationships. I initially worked on the song with producer EX Magongo but felt the second verse needed a male voice, so I reached out to Brandon, and he agreed to join in."
Beyond the new single, Viwo is gearing up for her Rise Above tour, a nationwide concert series starting on 14 September at Kings Kraal in Bryanston, Joburg. The tour will feature stops in Makhanda on 6 October and conclude at Selective Live in Cape Town on 11 October.
"The Rise Above tour will feature new music from my upcoming album, which I'll start working on next year. There'll also be surprise guests at each show," Viwo concluded.
