Nandi Ndathane

Nandi Ndathane - Idols SA Season 18 Top 12 contestant

Nandi Ndathane is a South Africa vocalist, songwriter and performer from Diepkloof, Gauteng. She is a Top 12 contestant on Idols SA Season 18 in 2022.

She describes herself as a people person who is also hard-working.

Nandi Ndathane’s Biography

Name:Nandi Ndathane
Date of birth:October 18, 2000
Age:21 years old
Gender:Female
Occupation:Vocalist, songwriter, performer
Hometown:Diepkloof, Gauteng
Parents:Shaluza Max (father), Nomsa (mother)

Nandi Ndathane’s love of music began at an early age, thanks to her musical hero – her father, Shaluza Max, who was a legendary musician.

It was through spending time with him in the studio that Nandi Ndathane initially found an appreciation for the art.

“Music is my life. It is a part of me,” says Nandi of her passion.

Nandi Ndathane is no stranger to the stage as she has been performing from a young age as part of her church choir, then later on at the Market Theatre.

She has also consistently recorded her own music but hopes for the Idols South Africa stage to give her more exposure and a growing fanbase.

Nandi Ndathane describes herself as a fearless performer and says viewers can expect to see “something different” when she takes the Idols SA live stage.

She is excited about the Idols South Africa live shows, something she sees as an opportunity for the whole country to experience her talent. “You can expect a va-va-voom! I’m going to give it my all.”

Nandi Ndathane Songs

Nandi has so far been featured on two, one in 2020 and one in 2022. The songs are listed below.

  • “Mam’Ghoobozi” by Muziqal Tone featuring Nandi Ndathane (2020)
  • “Ndiyacela” by De Mogul SA featuring Nandi Ndathane, Dash SA and Typical SA (2022)

Nandi Ndathane’s Father

Nandi Ndathane’s father is the late musician, Shaluza Max, who performed with Idols SA judge, Somizi Mhlongo in Sarafina.

Shaluza Max’s real name is Themba Mntambo, he was born in 1966.

Nandi Ndathane's Father Shaluza Max Themba Mntambo
Nandi Ndathane’s father, Themba Mntambo a.k.a Shaluza Max.

Shaluza Max was an internationally acclaimed maskandi singer and songwriter. He was also a Jazz musician.

At the age of 20, Shaluza Max toured the world with the cast of Sarafina, also serving as the cast’s vocal coach.

He is credited with co-writing and producing the soundtrack of the film Jock of the Bushveld.

Shaluza Max was lauded overseas more than back home in South Africa, especially in western Europe where he toured and lived for several years.

Over the years, Max collaborated with legends including Busi Mhlongo, Moses Molelekwa, Sipho Gumede, Zim Ngqawana and Wendy Mseleku who all passed on before him.

Shaluza Max is credited with having launched Mseleku’s singing career after working with her on Mbongeni Ngema’s Sarafina.

He was a member of the collective Barungwa – The Messengers, with subsequent projects released under the Melt2000 label.

In 2000, Max released his debut solo album, Kusile. It was followed by Impilo in 2003 which was nominated for a South African Music Award.

He released the Best of Shaluza Max album in 2005 which featured 16 of his greatest songs. He is best known for the songs Mangase, Amaginsa and Isigwadi.

Shaluza Max died in the early morning hours of Friday 3 January 2014, his cause of death was kidney failure after he collapsed at home on the night of Thursday 2 January 2014.


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