Thandiswa

Thandiswa Mazwai has been one of the most influential post-apartheid singers in South Africa. She began her career in 1995 with the music groups Jack Knife and Bongo Maffin, one of the pioneering bands of the dance music Kwaito. After 6 award-winning albums with Bongo Maffin, she ventured into a solo career.

Her first solo project, “Zabalaza” (2004), reached double platinum status and won numerous awards, including a Kora award for Best African Female and four South African Music Awards (SAMAs). Her critically acclaimed sophomore release, “Ibokwe” (2009), and 3rd album, a Jazz reinterpretation of South African classics, “Belede” (2016), reached gold status within a few weeks of release. Her compositions include traditional Xhosa music, Mbaqanga, Funk, Jazz, and Reggae.

Known for her electrifying performances, Thandiswa has performed all over the world at venues including the Tiny Desk Concert, Apollo Theatre, The Lincoln Centre, The Cannes Film Festival, African Express, BBC World Music Awards, TED, Afropunk,  Carnegie Hall Citywide Festival, amongst others. She has collaborated with artists such as Hugh Masekela, Meshell Ndegeocello (including on her 2014 Grammy-winning album), Fatoumata Diawara, Somi, and DJ Black Coffee.

Music Genre:

Multi-Genre

Instruments:

Vocal | Percussions