Thandiswa Mazwai: from Zabalaza to conquering the world with her Afrocentric sound
The vocalist and songwriter is currently touring UK, US and Canada, with her last tour of the year happening at South African Sate Theatre on December 11, 2024.
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
A good fortune seems to have blessed one of the country’s most popular musicians Thandiswa Mazwai this year, with the release of a new album and collaborating with some of the world’s leading voices in African adult contemporary music. Just this November the Zabalaza hit maker is touring the world, with UK, US and Canada penciled in her plans. However her local; fans do not need to despair as the artist will round up her world tour on home ground, the South African State Theatre on December 7, 2024.
And those who have followed Thandiswa’s career over the years will attest to the fact that since the release of her debut album Zabalaza, her career as a solo artist, has been on the rise, rise and rise. Not many would have in fact predicted that when she released that album at a Sandton Venue, where it was launched 20 years ago, that in fact marked the beginning of a fulfilling solo career for her. Many a cynic could not have foreseen that that event also would propel her as arguably the most successful solo artists from the group Bongo Maffin. But that actually what has happened, South Africa and indeed global music fans have not stopped falling in love with her sound, making her a significant voice on the local music scene. The singer and song writer in fact is following in the footsteps of great artists that have left a significant mark on the local music scene, such as Busi Mhlongo, Miriam Makeba and Thandie Klaasen to name but just a few trail-blazing South African musicians. Her Afrocentric sound has indeed found spiritual connection with many a music lover around the world.
Therefore 2024, has been a year filled with many highlights for Thandiswa Mazwai. Not only did she celebrate 20 years of her iconic debut album, Zabalaza, but she also released another instant classic album this year with Sankofa.
This release came with a TinyDesk performance that has reached almost 900k views on YouTube and several tours around the world.
This November Thandiswa will be doing shows in New York , Canada, London as well as Boston, where she has also been invited for a talk about her work at The Centre for African studies at Harvard University where she will be interviewed by Dr Sarah Setlaelo.
US/UK tour dates
12 Nov: Talk at Harvard about her practice and perspective
13 Nov: Crystal Ballroom, Summerville Boston.
14 Nov: LPR, New York City
16 Nov: Koerner Hall, Toronto
22 Nov: JazzCafe, London
24 Nov: The Barbican, London
She returns home with a thanksgiving show at Pretoria’s State Theatre called “Umbulelo” on 7 December 2024 at the South African state theatre where her fans can expect music across all her albums including new favourites Sabala, Kulungile, Emini and Children of the soil.
Thandiswa says “ This show is to give thanks to everyone who has supported me. My family, my friends and the beautiful people who listen to my music. I could not have done it without you and I look forward to singing along with you at the State Theatre.”
About Thandiswa
Thandiswa has been one of the most influential post-Apartheid singers in South Africa. She began her career in 1996 with music groups Jack Knife and Bongo Maffin, one of the pioneering bands of the dance music genre Kwaito. After 6 award-winning albums with Bongo Maffin she ventured onto 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. Her critically acclaimed sophomoric release Ibokwe (2009) and third 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, jazz, and funk.
Known for her electrifying performances, Thandiswa has performed all over the world at venues including the Apollo Theatre, The Lincoln Centre, The CannesFilm Festival, Africa Express, Tiny Desk Concert, BBC World Music Awards, TED, Afropunk, Carnegie Hall Citywide Festival, among others. She has collaborated with artists such as Hugh Masekela, Meshell Ndegeocello (including on her 2024 Grammy Winning album), Fatoumata Diawara, Somi, and DJ Black Coffee.
About Sankofa
Sankofa is Thandiswa Mazwai’s 4th studio album released in May 2024.
Sankofa is a Ghanaian Twi word that means ‘to go back and fetch what has been left behind’. The making of this record embodied that idea. Recorded in Johannesburg, Dakar, and New York, the album combines archival Xhosa samples (which were sourced from the International Library of African Music at Rhodes University), jazz and west African music. It includes songs produced by Meshell Ndegeocello, Chris Bruce, Nduduzo Makhathini, Tendai Shoko and Thandiswa. It features a collaboration with Thandi Ntuli and Nduduzo Makhathini.
Thandiswa says, “The making of Sankofa was a sonic odyssey that took me from the villages of the Eastern Cape to Dakar and New York, weaving a thread that culminated in something truly special. Within those ancient rhythms and polyrhythms, a common lexicon revealed itself to me and I am excited to share this music with those who have been growing and evolving with me. Listen out for uhadi, umrhubhe, ngoni, kora and drums in the music. It is about a celebration of the pan African spirit, healing old wounds, and returning to what honours us.”
DETAILS ABOUT “UMBULELO” AT STATE THEATRE.
Venue: State Theatre, Pretoria
Date: 7 December 2024
Time: 7pm
Tickets: 350-650
Get yours at Webtickets