Born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Ntwentle Sinaye Mnqgithi, known professionally as Siinaye, was raised by dreamers. While most children her age played with toys, Siinaye's grandmother gave her a radio, sparking a lifelong passion for music.
Siinaye's unique sound, a blend of R&B and soul, was shaped by her early experiences. After moving to Durban, she spent her formative years immersed in gospel and jazz music at church, where she taught herself to play the guitar, piano, and drums. Her music teachers played a pivotal role in her development, with one even using songs to teach her English. Years spent in choirs and musical theatre transformed Siinaye into a natural performer.
Her journey took her from making music in a friend's bedroom in Cape Town to booking professional studio sessions with renowned artists like Manana and Rowlene. Siinaye's perseverance, a quality she attributes to her belief in "reaching for the stars until she becomes one," paid off with the release of her debut single, "Franklin Freestyle", in August 2024. The track was an instant success, garnering recognition from Metro FM and artists such as Blxckie, which led her to headline a performance at Friday Night Live in Cape Town.