Spotify has named South African singer-songwriter Lusanda its EQUAL Africa Ambassador for September 2026, just days before she releases her new single “Lunchbox” this Friday, September 11.
The recognition adds another milestone to Lusanda’s growing career as she prepares to close out her three-track project, ‘By The Time I Wake Up‘ .
It also comes as South African artists continue to make their mark in global music spaces, as highlighted in our new music coverage.
“Lunchbox” completes By The Time I Wake Up, which opens with “Progress” and continues with its fan-favourite title track. Lusanda has described the project as deeply personal.
“I want people to feel something when they hear my voice,” she says. “I write from things I’ve actually been through, and if my music helps someone feel a little less alone, or helps them heal from something, that’s the whole point for me.”
Lusanda’s EQUAL Africa journey
Lusanda’s relationship with Spotify EQUAL Africa goes beyond this month’s ambassador title.
The programme supported her first major headline show in Johannesburg and helped fund the recording of her Spotify Singles session, where she delivered a rendition of “Mad World”.
The session made Lusanda the first South African woman featured on Spotify Singles.
“EQUAL is the reason I got to play my first major show here in Johannesburg,” she shares. “Being part of a programme that actually puts its resources behind women artists has meant everything.”
Lusanda follows DBN Gogo and Tems
Lusanda joins a growing list of African artists recognised by Spotify through its artist-focused programmes.
She follows Mzansi amapiano star DBN Gogo, who was named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist of the month in October 2021. She also follows Nigerian music sensation Tems, who featured in the 2020 edition of Spotify’s Radar Africa programme.
NOWinSA previously covered DBN Gogo’s Spotify EQUAL Africa recognition and Tems joining Spotify’s Radar Africa programme.
From ballet to South African music
Lusanda has been a classically trained ballerina since the age of five.
She later studied theatre and performance, specialising in choreography, at the University of Cape Town before turning her focus fully to music.
Her career gained early momentum in 2023 after her cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” went viral. The attention helped lead to her debut single, “When You’re Around”.
She has since worked with Uncle Waffles, Manana and Mörda, while upcoming collaborations include Nasty C and Tellaman, Clxrity and Dwson.
Lusanda was also selected for Apple Music’s Africa Rising Class of 2025.
When is Lusanda’s “Lunchbox” out?
Fans can catch Lusanda at a Track by Track listening session at &Friends/Mamakashaka in Braamfontein on September 17.
She will take the audience through the new maxi single and share the story behind the project in her own words.
“Lunchbox” and the full By The Time I Wake Up project arrive on all major streaming platforms on Friday, September 11, 2026.
