She’s a vocal powerhouse, a work of art and a cultural ambassador who brings African culture and music to the global arenas.
Born as Thandiswa Nyameka Mazwai on the 31st of March 1976 just a few months before the Soweto uprising.
She’s affectionately also known as King Tha by her beloved fans.
Bongo Maffin
She’s part of the kwaito group called Bongo Maffin that came into popularity and became one of the best kwaito groups of all time with the hit single Thathi Sgubhu.
Africa
The Motherland is a continent which has an incredible wealth of resource minerals, art and spirituality which King Tha draws her immense source of artistry from.
In a world scattered with artists trying to imitate Eurocentric music, King Tha has remained true to herself and culture.
Her music is healing and takes one on a spiritual journey.
Whenever she performs it’s seems like she’s on a trance, she evokes the spirit of the ancestors.
Her music is an unspoken connection between the young and the old, it’s brings people together.
Solo projects
Thandiswa has 3 studio Albums each of which is like a memoir.
Zabalaza is her first solo album it’s classic and still relevant 17years later, the song Zabalaza is a struggle song which reflects the social ills of our society 27 years later after democracy.
Transkei moon is a love letter to the beautiful Transkei a place which is close to her heart and the lyrics beautifully express her love for it.
Nizalwa ngobani is a constant the reminder of how one shouldn’t forget their roots and to always honor and respect our elders.
Even though this song is from her first album somehow it links with her 3rd album Belede, where she does cover songs from artists whom she was introduced to by her mother Belede who sadly passed away when she was still very young.
My favorite album from King Tha is Ibokwe, Ibokwe means goat in the Xhosa language.
Ibokwe is usually an offering used in a lot of African ceremonies because its spirit connects the living with those who’ve passed on.
The cover of the album is just as artistic as the music, the next time you pull out Thandiswa’s album listen closely to the lyric they may just transcend you to other realms and provide you with a hint of history but also a sacred experience.
Conclusion
The key to success is to be true to yourself, those who love and resonate with your work will support you and those who don’t didn’t matter, to begin with.