16/07/2026
THE QUESTION IS WHO IS YAKHA MLALI?Yakha Mlali is a versatile South African artist, Artistic Director, recording artist, writer, music composer, choreographer, singer, dancer, and actor. He is the Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director of Siba Lwam Arts Organization, a creative organization dedicated to preserving and promoting isiXhosa heritage through music, theatre, storytelling, and cultural expression.
Yakha gained recognition through his debut music release “Ndikuthanda Umlibe” in 2020, which received attention from radio stations such as Kumkani FM and opened opportunities for collaborations and performances alongside respected artists, including Dumza Maswana and Ntsika Ngxanga (The Soil). He showcased his talent as an opening act at Dumza Maswana’s production “Celebrating African Songs” at the Guild Theatre and participated in the Eastern Cape leg of the Ukhozi FM Music Indaba. His notable single “Gogo Opheth’iyeza” gained recognition on digital platforms, including Facebook and TikTok.
Yakha’s artistic journey continued at the Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts, where he majored in Music. He further demonstrated his vocal abilities as a soloist in “Afrika Sings Musical” and performed at various National Arts Festivals, receiving recognition for his exceptional vocal and performance abilities. His achievements include earning a distinction in Jazz and a Bronze qualification in ISTD Dance at Sonwa Sakuba Institute. He has also contributed as a music composer for the Abangoni Dance Production at the Udaba Dance Festival.
In 2023, Yakha created his first musical theatre production, “Ingoma Zomngqungqo: On A Road With Yakha Mlali”, a spiritual exploration that awakens the body, mind, and soul through original music, movement, and storytelling under his Theater Production division (Siba lwam arts Theater production) . The production received critical acclaim at the Umtiza Arts Festival, was showcased at the 50th National Arts Festival (2024), later performed at the Guild Theatre in East London, and achieved 1st place in Music at the Udaba Dance Festival.
Beyond theatre and music, Yakha has also contributed to children’s theatre through a puppet production titled “Jackal and Wolf” for Wela Kapela Production, demonstrating his ability to create meaningful artistic experiences for younger audiences.
Yakha’s musical compositions include his Afro House single “Ngawam (Ambillion)”, his Afro-Pop single “Ndikuthanda Umlibe”, and original compositions created for his ensemble, Siba Lwam Arts Choir, an artistic collective rooted in isiXhosa heritage and indigenous music.
In 2025, Yakha travelled to Turkey as an international vocalist, carrying his culture, voice, and artistic message to global audiences.
In 2026, Yakha expanded his theatre portfolio by being part of The musical theatre production, “Chief Jongumsobomvu Maqoma,” outside his theatre production division, Siba Lwam Arts Theatre Production Company. During the 2026 National Arts Festival, he perfomed two productions, including “Enyobeni,” where he received a Standing Ovation Award for his contribution as an Assistant Music Director.
Through music, theatre, and cultural storytelling, Yakha Mlali continues to use art as a tool for heritage preservation, healing, education, and creating opportunities for emerging artists.
