Thandiswa Mazwai

Ever since she burst into the public’s consciousness as the lead vocalist and songwriter of Award-winning group Bongo Maffin, Thandiswa Mazwai has been an indelible part of the South African cultural landscape. 

With Bongo Muffin – widely regarded as one of the hottest Kwaito bands to have come out of South Africa - Thandiswa recorded 4 albums, performed across the world, and shared stages with musical icons like Stevie Wonder, the Marley clan, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Chaka Khan, Sean Paul, Steel Pulse and Skunk Anansie, amongst others.  Amongst the numerous awards and accolades Bongo Maffin received, are South African Music Awards, Kora All Africa Music Awards, and Metro FM Music Awards.

After 8 years in the industry, Thandiswa decided to embark on a solo project. The album “Zabalaza”, released in 2004, elegantly fuses various musical genres, showcasing her unique artistry which transcends borders and music genres.  The album contains a broad range of styles - from traditional Xhosa rhythms, upbeat Mbaqanga, a touch of reggae, thumping kwaito, to quasi-gospel sounds – with Thandiswa straddling the urban and the rural, and effortlessly melding the traditional with the modern. 

In 2009 Thandiswa released her second solo album, Ibokwe, which went Gold in South Africa within six weeks.