- Thandiswa Mazwai is releasing an album in May 2024.
- She says performing for the late Winnie Mandela is one of the major highlights of her career.
- Thandiswa still wishes to win a Grammy and embark on a tour across Africa and the rest of the world.
Thandiswa Mazwai is set to drop new music beginning with a single titled Kulungile followed by an album called Sankofa that will drop on 10 May 2024.
The Afro-pop star's career dates back to 1995, when she was part of the music group Jack-Nife then later Bongo Maffin. Where they pioneered the Kwaito sound and released hits such as Dali Uzobuya Nini.
“I was part of the vanguard of the Kwaito movement. So, when I say my friends and I invented Kwaito, I really mean that,” Thandiswa says, highlighting how her come-up was supported by the likes of other musical veterans such as Oskido and Mdu.
Thandiswa moved on to join the Bongo Maffin around 1997 and she spent close to a decade with the group, making hits and travelling the world. “We went all over the world, we became the biggest Afro pop band in the world.”
Thandiswa then worked on a solo project in 2004 titled Zabalaza and she states that this was the most important piece of work for her career.
READ MORE | Thandiswa Mazwai reflects on her legendary music career and how she's learning from young artists
She recently delivered a memorable performance on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert. Throughout the years, Thandiswa says she has reached plenty milestones and did not even know where to start when having to share some of her extensive library.
“It was just nice to be there and to be part of such a big cultural platform. It was extremely humbling, and touching and affirming,” Thandiswa says, showing gratitude for the amazing reception that she received from her supporters even after 30 years of being in the industry.
However, she did say what has stood out for her the most was when she had lunch with the late former President Nelson Mandela and Michael Jackson at the same time. She has also shared a stage and created friendships with stars such as Stevie Wonder. Lastly, what has been of utmost significance in her career is having compiled her hit single Nizalwa Ngobani, which was dedicated to the late Winnie Mandela.
She had the privilege of performing this timeless single for Winnie Mandela at her album launch and at Winnie Mandela’s funeral. “I would say that as a solo artist that was kind of the pinnacle [of my career] because it was a piece that I had created for a certain purpose and that song fulfilled its purpose.”
With her latest album titled Sankofa, which means 'to go back and fetch what’s been left behind' in the Ghanaian language, Thandiswa says audiences can expect a mixture of indigenous isiXhosa music.
Having recorded the album in South Africa, Senegal and the U.S., Thandiswa says the album comprises certain elements from each country. Audiences can expect to hear some indigenous instruments from Senegal and some tracks on the album feature producers from the U.S.
But Thandiswa is not done yet, she would still love to reach more milestones, including winning a Grammy and having a tour across Africa and the rest of the world.
