Thandiswa Mazwai

BIO

Thandiswa was born in 1976 and grew up in Soweto, Johannesburg. Both her parents were journalists and anti-apartheid activists. She began her career in 1998 with pioneering kwaito bands Bongo Maffin and soon became recognized as the voice of South Africa’s conscious youth.

After five albums with Bongo Maffin she ventured onto a solo career with, Zabalaza (2004), which reached double platinum status and won numerous awards, including a Kora award for Best African Female and four Samas, including Best Album. It was also nominated for the BBC Radio 3 Planet awards. Her second album, Ibokwe (2009), reached gold status in the first few weeks of its release and her live DVD, Dance of the Forgotten Free (2010), won Best Female Artist and Best Live DVD at the 2011 Samas. Her music is often deeply political and includes traditional rhythms, mbaqanga, reggae, kwaito and funk and jazz sounds. Thandiswa has performed all over the world, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony, The Apollo in New York, WOMEX, the Cannes Film Festival, Midem, FESPACO Film Festival and several Mandela 46664 concerts.