Man Candy: Wandile Mbambeni on his latest single “I Don’t Regret It”
Wandile Mbambeni is a talented South African singer-songwriter who's been making waves in the music scene. With a unique sound that blends country soul and folk, Wandile's music is all about storytelling and authenticity. His journey began in his home town in East London and landed him in an American music show “Watch My Kind of Country” on Apple TV+ which opened opportunities for collaborations with prominent artists. He has two albums under his belt “Kwakumnandi” and “ Maturation”. Recently he dropped a new single called "I Do Not Regret It", which is a beautiful and introspective track that speaks on love and closure.
We caught up with Wandile to learn more about him and his latest release, and to delve into the story behind "I Do Not Regret It"
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Who is Wandile and how did you stumble into music?
My journey began in a home where we loved listening to music. Like most families, music was part of everything we did, celebrations, road trips, and even quiet evenings. Some of my fondest memories are of driving with my dad, listening to Oliver Mtukudzi. Those moments were key to inspiring not just my desire to create music but also the kind of music I make today. Later, I started busking in East London and eventually on the streets of Germany, which taught me the value of connecting with people through song. It’s been a beautiful journey from those early days to where I am now, sharing stories through my music.
With the release of "I Don't Regret it" you are starting off the year with a poignant and emotional single, What's the story and inspiration behind the song?
"I Don't Regret It" comes from a deeply personal place. It's a reflection on the complexities of love, loss, and learning. The song captures a moment of clarity where I realized that, despite the pain or challenges in a relationship, I wouldn’t change the experience. Every moment taught me something valuable about myself and what I want in life. It’s both a goodbye and a thank you, wrapped in melody.
The title " I don't regret it" implies a sense of closure and acceptance, what do you hope listeners will take away from the song
I hope listeners feel a sense of healing and peace. Life’s tough moments often carry lessons, and sometimes it’s not about regret but growth. If the song helps someone embrace their journey, good or bad, and find their own sense of closure, then I feel like I’ve done my job as an artist.
How do you think your music fits into the current cultural landscape?, and what do you hope to contribute to the conversation through your art?
I believe my music adds an honest, soulful voice to the current cultural landscape. In a time when authenticity is craved, my goal is to share true, lived experiences and emotions. I hope my songs resonate with people navigating their own journeys, offering them a sense of connection and understanding. Through my art, I want to contribute to a culture that values vulnerability, self-expression, and storytelling.
What has love taught you about yourself and how has it shaped your creative process?
Love has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of self-love. It has shown me that being open and vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness. These lessons have deeply shaped my songwriting, allowing me to pour raw, unfiltered emotions into my music. Love, in all its forms—romantic, familial, or self-love is at the core of what I create.
Any possibility of a new album this year, and what more can we expect from you?
Having an album this year would be great, and it’s something I’d love to work toward. What I can promise, though, is that I’ll be putting out lots of music this year. I’m excited to share new songs, perform, collaborate with other artists, and explore different sounds. This year is about keeping the music flowing and connecting with my audience in as many ways as possible.