Africa Month is here, and so is our 'Did You Know?' campaign, aimed at celebrating our ever-so-dope continent for collective memory and archival purposes. The campaign will be shared through a series of articles, with one article each week expounding on different fun facts about Africa.
First up is the iconic Zabalaza.
For music lovers, artists like Thandiswa Mazwai are a gift that keeps on giving; a voice of a generation. Music teaches so much about a place, its politics and people; and KingTha, as she’s affectionately known to her fans, music does exactly that.
March 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of Thandiswa Mazwai’s iconic debut album ‘Zabalaza’. The album achieved double platinum status, in addition to several awards.
Twenty years ago was a significant time in the lives of South Africans and the thought of KingTha’s music holding and sailing them through a time like that must be something to behold. And to think KingTha was just a baby in her 20s singing about such critical issues? To say she’s gifted would be an understatement.
Thandiswa’s self-awareness and refreshing world view are no surprise given the fact that she grew up in a Pan-African household, where Black Consciousness and reading were a way of life. Not to mention, her late mother Belede Mazwai (RIP) was a revolutionary, journalist, educator, social activist and a member of the Pan-African Congress (PAC).
The Healing Effect Of Thandiswa’s Music
She recently asked fans about what the album means to them and a countless number of people shared such heartwarming stories. Some said it healed them while others said it got them through tough times in their life. It must be fulfilling to hear your music heals people and literally changes the trajectory of their life?
Post 20 Years
From releasing more albums and performing across the world, Thandiswa’s light stays shining after 30 years in the music industry, and so does the consistency in the quality of her music.
Her previously held Tiny Desk concert, which premiered on 1st April this year, was received with an outpouring love from her fans.
Her artistic capabilities were no surprise, but her fans expressed what a delight she is and the consistency of her voice for the past 20 years.
One of the key highlights from the performance was how she acknowledged her people’s support for amplifying her work across the world. Meaning she does not take her support at home for granted. A charity begins at home moment.
New Album Loading
The new album titled ‘Sankofa’ will be released on 10th May and launched on 11th May, 2024 at Carnival City. The name Sankofa is derived from the Twi language of Ghana, which directly translates as “to go back and get it.” The principle of Sankofa means we must go back to our roots in order to move forward, as learning from the past is of the essence.
The latest track ’Kulungile’, is the lead single off the upcoming album, written by Thandiswa, Nduduzo Makhathini and Tendai Shoko.
The reason why she wrote Kulungile is because our childhoods have so much pain and we need ways of healing. Her traumas were abandonment, rejection and sexual violence, thus she finally wrote a song for her younger self telling her it is ok. "We made it out. We thrived. She doesn’t know," she added.
Concluding Thoughts
You have got to love and appreciate how Thandiswa’s fans love and adore her. Rightfully so. You can’t help but wonder - what goes on in her mind, being a source of such powerful work that heals and evokes all types of sensitive emotions for her fans. Seriously, how blessed are we to be living in the same generation as this truly iconic human being?!
Twenty years in the music industry is no walk in the park (and not for any other industry for that matter), but the love for Thandiswa keeps flowing like the Nile River; which is sincerely befitting for an artist of her calibre. To more love, music and prosperity for KingTha.
Sources: Thandiswa Mazwai | Twitter, Pan-African Congress of Azania