Music’s current cultural landscape has seen a new dynamic which remains continuously debated across digital platforms – the pipeline from social media stardom to undeniable artists at the forefront of revolutionising music as we know it. In this elusive arena of groundbreaking ingenuity, few artists have navigated the transition from a social media phenomenon to a bonafide musical force with the grace and authenticity of Sindiswa Nhlapho. Known to her growing legion of devotees as Ceenday, the 21-year-old Johannesburg native embodies the new paradigm of artistic emergence—where raw talent, digital savvy, and spiritual groundedness converge to create something transcendent.
Fresh from the release of her sophomore single “Iphupho”—a soulful prayer set against the pulsating backdrop of Afro-pop rhythms—she exudes the quiet confidence of someone who has been preparing for this moment since childhood yet remains humbled by the rapidity of her ascension. “Who is Sindiswa?” I ask myself before our interview. The answer, it seems, cannot be contained in mere biographical details or streaming statistics.
Sindiswa | SUPPLIED
The narrative of Sindiswa speaks to our contemporary moment while remaining firmly rooted in timeless traditions. From those formative performances beside her family’s coal-burning stove at the tender age of four—singing Joyous Celebration and Zahara with precocious conviction—to commanding the attention of nearly a million TikTok followers, her trajectory represents both the democratisation of star making in the digital age and the enduring power of authentic artistic expression.
Her breakout hit “Hambe”, featuring the prolific Blxckie, announced her arrival on South Africa’s vibrant musical scene with emphatic clarity. Now, with “Iphupho,” Sindiswa reveals new dimensions of her artistry—offering listeners an intimate invocation that resonates with dreamers everywhere. The cynics might dismiss the rapid rise of TikTok stars as emblematic of our shrinking attention spans and hunger for novelty. Yet, in Sindiswa’s case, social media has merely been the conduit, not the content—the messenger, not the message. Her clinical intent in creativity cuts through the digital noise with stunning clarity, reaching hearts in ways that algorithms could never predict.
Her sound—an intoxicating blend of traditional African rhythms and contemporary production—feels both innovative and inevitable, and her insistence on cultural authenticity and emotional resonance positions her not only as Mzansi’s enthralling Afro-pop sweetheart but as a torchbearer for a new generation of African artists poised to make their mark on global consciousness.
As Universal Music’s newest luminary navigates the exhilarating terrain between viral phenomenon and enduring artistry, we sit down with Sindiswa to explore the fascinating intersection of traditional influences and contemporary expression, the power of digital community, and the spiritual dimensions that infuse her creative process.
Sindiswa | SUPPLIED
Music has been in your home since birth. Can you paint us a picture of those early memories at age 3 and how your family nurtured what they saw in you?
Sindiswa: “My mother loves to share this cherished memory with me. When I was just 4 years old, I would stand beside our old coal-burning stove and sing—mostly Joyous Celebration songs, and later, as I grew a bit older, Zahara songs too.
“My family would record videos of these performances, though unfortunately, those early memories weren’t preserved as phones were changed or lost over the years. I sincerely wish we still had that early memorabilia.
“Music continued to be central in my life. At family gatherings, I was always the one leading the songs, and I took on the same role at church. At home, we’d host karaoke nights, and during Christmas, we’d all sleep in the dining room, play beats, sing together, and have wonderful times filled with music and joy.”
Your journey interestingly began on TikTok, where you’ve amassed over 900,000 followers. What was that defining moment when you realised your social media presence could translate into a serious music career?
Sindiswa: “At first, I didn’t take it seriously—I was creating TikToks purely for fun. I was singing because I loved it, not because I was seeking recognition, even though becoming a professional had always been a dream of mine.
“When people started to recognise me, I began to realise this could actually become something professional. The defining moment came when I received a call from Universal Music Group inviting me to a meeting. That’s when I understood things were getting serious. From then on, I started putting my best foot forward and focused on properly breaking into the industry.”
Your rise in music feels sensational, but the craft was developed over the years. What has been the most challenging part of transitioning from being a young girl who loved singing to becoming an artist signed to Universal Music?
Sindiswa: “At first, it was a bit overwhelming. I had so many questions running through my mind, like, ‘Am I really going to be able to turn my passion into a profession?’ But with the unwavering support of my family and the guidance of my team at Universal Music Group, I now feel confident that I can rise to the occasion and make my mark in the industry. While the initial nerves of this transition were quite overwhelming, I’m starting to find my space as a rising star more exciting than frightening. I remind myself to be patient because these things take time. I just need to believe in my craft and embrace the growth process.”
Sindiswa | SUPPLIED
Your music seamlessly blends traditional African rhythms with modern elements. How important is it for you to maintain this cultural connection in your sound?
Sindiswa: “It’s extremely essential because this cultural connection is inseparable from my personality and identity. I can’t be singing songs that require choreographed dancing because that’s not my strength. With my sound, I can move naturally but not dance in a highly choreographed manner.
“It’s important for me to maintain this authentic sound because it truly represents who I am. The best way to connect with your audience is by remaining true to yourself rather than hiding behind gimmicks—those trends come and go. As a new artist, I have my sights set on career longevity, which I believe comes from authenticity rather than following temporary trends.”
Your debut “Hambe” featured Blxckie and addressed themes of breakup and freedom. What was the collaborative process like when bringing this song to life?
Sindiswa: “While I don’t relate to the record in a personal context, I realised that many people are dealing with heartbreak. So I sat down and penned something to help heal the souls of those carrying that burden.
“During the writing process, I felt the song needed a special touch. Who better to serenade with than uSomnyama? I took a chance, and DM’d Blxckie, though I honestly didn’t think he would collaborate with me. I posted on my TikTok that I had messaged him and asked my fans to mention him so he might hop on my song. My incredible fans came to my rescue, tagging him in the comments by the thousands!
“After that, our teams reached out to each other, and we started working together. Blxckie is a wonderful person—humble, down to earth—and his talent goes without saying; he’s phenomenal. The whole experience of working with him was just incredible. This collaboration taught me not to take the power of social media for granted. Without it, this partnership would never have happened. I want to take this opportunity to thank my fans for making it possible!”
Stream “Hambe” Here:
“Iphupho” feels like a continuation of your story but with a spiritual layer. Can you walk us through the creative process – from conceiving the idea to finally hearing it come to life?
Sindiswa: “‘Iphupho’ is essentially a prayer to God about making my dreams come true. What inspired me was witnessing my peers and others succeeding in love and achieving the goals they set for themselves.
“When I went to the studio, I thought, ‘Let me just write a prayer to God’ with an Afro-Pop style and emotional undertone—a message asking the Creator to help realise my dreams and make my family proud. The creative process felt deeply intimate, exalting, and intentional.
“I’m a firm believer in the power of manifestation, and I’m slowly in the process of realising my dreams. I poured intention and the power of speaking things into existence into this song, which gave me a sense of ease, calm, and upliftment.
“‘Iphupho’ is an affirmation not only for me but for millions of dreamers who are still pursuing their aspirations and need a reminder to keep striving. When I was working with Ntethe, a surge of emotions flowed through me as the song came to life. I knew then that this could inspire and touch the masses.”
“Iphupho” feels like a statement about your aspirations. What dreams are you still praying for, even with all your current success?
Sindiswa: “My current dream is to collaborate with major artists in the industry and break into the international market. I’m particularly excited about the possibility of working with artists like Lwah and Naledi.”
Stream “Iphupho” Here:
As South Africa’s emerging sweetheart in the Afro-Pop space, what kind of legacy do you hope to build? How do you want people to remember these early days of your journey?
Sindiswa: “I want people to remember the early days of my journey as ‘Sindi writes inspirational, encouraging songs.’ I want to be remembered as someone who writes with genuine emotion and intent—not just creating music for the sake of it.
“My hope is that my listeners feel encouraged and hopeful when they hear my work. While I do plan to branch out into different creative expressions over time, I want the first thing that comes to people’s minds when I’m mentioned to be a sense of hopefulness and dreaminess!”
Thank you for joining us for this interview. Before you go, please share some of your plans and what’s next for Sindiswa?
Sindiswa: “I’m definitely going to be releasing more singles and taking advantage of every opportunity for exposure that comes my way. Later in the year, perhaps release an album. Stay tuned!”
