NKIYASE's 25-year musical journey culminates in the inspiring album 'I Am One in a Million'

South African musician, actress and entrepreneur Nkiyase Mondlana-Mbatha, known professionally as NKIYASE, is celebrating 25 years in the music industry with the release of her latest album, "I Am One in a Million". The project, released in September 2025, reflects a career defined by resilience, reinvention and longevity, while its lead single, "I Wanna Love You", has found steady rotation on mainstream radio in early 2026.

The album draws deeply from Nkiyase’s personal journey, capturing both triumphs and challenges experienced over more than two decades in the entertainment industry. Speaking about the inspiration behind the project, she describes it as a reflection of survival and purpose. “I Am One in a Million was inspired by my personal journey both the victories and the struggles. The title reflects resilience, self-belief, and gratitude. After everything I’ve experienced in life and music, I’ve come to understand that my story is unique. It’s a reminder that despite the odds, I’m still standing, still creating, and still chosen to share my voice,” she says.

Unlike earlier projects, which were shaped by the need to establish herself in a competitive industry, "I Am One in a Million" represents a more self-assured phase of her career. “This album is a reflection of growth, patience, and consistency. Over 25 years, I’ve seen trends come and go, faced challenges, and celebrated milestones. 'I Am One in a Million' captures the wisdom I’ve gained, the maturity in my sound, and the confidence that comes from longevity. It’s not about chasing relevance it’s about owning my legacy,” Nkiyase explains.

At the heart of the album is a message of perseverance and self-belief. For Nkiyase, the project is not only about reflecting on her own journey but also about speaking to listeners who may be navigating their own challenges. “The core message is simple: never give up on yourself. No matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, your dreams are valid. I want listeners to feel empowered, inspired, and reminded that their journey matters just as mine has,” she says.

The album’s lead single, "I Wanna Love You", stands out for its emotional openness and maturity, offering a softer but confident exploration of love. “ ‘I Wanna Love You’ is about emotional freedom and vulnerability. It speaks to the courage it takes to love openly without fear. The song reflects where I am in life understanding that real love requires honesty, presence, and emotional maturity. That’s why it’s resonating so strongly on mainstream radio,” she says.

Nkiyase adds that the song represents a conscious decision to embrace openness without being defined by past experiences. “With ‘I Wanna Love You’ I want to make a fearless statement about love, choosing openness, passion and emotional freedom. The song reflects confidence, growth and refusal to let the past dictate the future, embracing love without limits,” she says.

Life experiences, she notes, have played a central role in shaping the sound and themes of the album. “Life has been my greatest teacher. Joy, loss, success, and setbacks have all shaped the sound of this album. You hear it in the melodies, the lyrics, and the emotion. Every song carries a piece of my lived experience, making the album authentic and relatable,” she explains.

As she continues to create music beyond the 25-year mark, Nkiyase says her motivation has shifted from ambition to purpose. “At this stage, chasing my dreams means purpose. It’s about inspiring the next generation, staying true to my calling, and enjoying the journey. Music is no longer just a career it’s a responsibility and a legacy. As long as I have something meaningful to say, I’ll keep creating,” she says.

With "I Am One in a Million", Nkiyase positions herself not as an artist chasing trends, but as one reflecting on a legacy built through consistency, faith and self-belief offering a body of work that speaks to endurance, growth and the power of staying true to one’s voice.

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Saturday Star