Latest news with #Mawhoo
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Mawhoo on thriving in Amapiano's male-dominated scene
Mawhoo was recently named Spotify's EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July 2025. South African vocalist Mawhoo is making waves in the Amapiano genre with her unique sound and rising success in a male-dominated industry. Mawhoo, whose real name is Thandeka Ngema, was recently named Spotify's EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July 2025, a recognition of her growing influence and artistic impact. The EQUAL Africa programme is part of Spotify's global initiative to spotlight and support women creators by equipping them with the tools and platforms they need to thrive in the music industry. Mawhoo's journey in music began in 2018 with the release of her debut single Umshado, which she credits as the beginning of her professional breakthrough. 'The positive feedback from people and the reception to the track made me realise that I can do this thing. But I've always been passionate about music from a young age,' she said. Her path to success, however, has not been without its challenges. As a woman in the industry, Mawhoo said she faced not only creative limitations but also pressure to conform. 'There was a time when people used to make me do music and a sound that didn't resonate with me; I couldn't be creative fully and be expressive, so people used to assume I couldn't sing or that I wasn't talented. 'I was often bullied, and that made me stressed, but instead of leaving music, I carried on and didn't give up. I used that to push myself.' Now regarded as one of the leading voices in Amapiano, she believes her success comes from staying true to herself. 'I've empowered myself, and I make decisions that feel right to me. I don't do things just to please others. I don't do anything that's going to make me feel uncomfortable. If a space doesn't serve me, I walk away.' NOW READ: 'It's not just music, it's a story': Showmax celebrates Kabza De Small's Amapiano brilliance Mawhoo on breaking barriers and setting boundaries Speaking on the broader challenges women face in the music space, Mawhoo said the industry often blurs professional and personal boundaries. 'As a woman, even beyond the music industry, there are challenges that we face. We are subjected to being wanted and approached by men promising us love or looking for intimacy, even in professional settings. 'As women, learn to stand your ground and say no. Teach people to respect you and your decisions. Don't do things because you want to please others and want to be favoured — don't sell your soul.' NOW READ: 'We're all puppets': Q&A with Chester Missing
The South African
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Are Zimbabwean fans choosing Mawhoo over Naledi Aphiwe?
When South African singer Mawhoo stepped on stage in Zimbabwe this past weekend, she didn't just perform; she connected. Mawhoo performed in Harare at Karma on 31 May. After a lively set filled with sing-alongs and love from the crowd, the artist took to Facebook to share her feelings: 'I want Zim to adopt me… what a sing along…' And just like that, Zimbabweans were sold. The comments came flooding in, fans praising her music, her energy, and most of all, her humility. But Mawhoo's Zimbabwean love story comes just a week after another South African star, Naledi Aphiwe, left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans in Zimbabwe. Last week, when a Zimbabwean admirer politely asked if Naledi Aphiwe could visit the country, Naledi shot back with a cheeky. A TikTok user, Constance Muzenda, commented on one of Naledi's posts, saying: 'Naledi, please come to Zimbabwe.' In response, Naledi replied: ' Hambani niyongilinda khona ,' which translates to 'Go and wait for me there.' The response, meant to be playful, didn't land well. Zimbabwean social media users were quick to label her response as dismissive, even disrespectful. And now, they're drawing a clear line between the two artists and picking sides. Here is how Zimbabweans reacted: @Akeem Dembo: 'South Africans will grow jealous after seeing this.' @Sean Craig: ' Mawhoo, please don't come with Naledi…' @InterpreterIIMlambo: ' Better than Aphiwe Naledi..' @Daisline Tashly: 'Oky, but please, Naledi must stay there, we don't want her in Zimbabwe. ' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
DJ Tira sets the tone for this year's Durban July with Mzansi's sought-after A-listers
The countdown to the Hollywoodbets Durban July has begun and DJ Tira's Afrotainment team is gearing up for another spectacular year at the Afrotainment Marquee. On July 5, the team will bring their unique blend of style and entertainment to the event, themed 'Marvels of Mzansi'. Recently, the Palesa hit maker and the Afrotainment crew gathered at Avianto Hotel in Muldersdrift for a stunning photo shoot to kick-start their journey to the much-anticipated opulent event. DJ Tira's wife Gugu Khathi, singers Zee Nxumalo, Mawhoo, DJ Maphorisa, Ashley Ogle and Sweet Guluva, donned bright-coloured garments, setting the tone for an unforgettable event. For Gugu, the Durban July has become a cherished tradition. 'It went from an idea. From the smallest photo shoot to what we do now. It's been years, and each year, this day is the most important,' she said, highlighting the significance of the event. This year marks 14 years of DJ Tira having his Afro marquee at the Durban July and he's built a reputation for doing it bigger and better. He says this year he is taking things up a notch. 'The love and passion for what I do [is what keeps me going]. I love entertainment, I love looking good. I love being a leader. I love showing the way. And now I am showing the way for Durban July, how to dress and how to look,' Tira said. 'We always work with who's hot. When it comes to the Afrotainment shoot, we always work with whose currently trending.' Mawhoo, who will be attending the event for the first time because she usually attends the after-parties, plans to dazzle with elegance. She advises first-time attendees to put their best foot forward too. 'Look good, look nice. It's not a competition, just wear something that's going to make you feel confident and that you'll be proud of.' Ashley Ogle, also a first-timer, is excited about her appearance. 'I think of it (the event) as glam and Zodwa Wabantu. Now it's going to be Ashley Wabantu. I'm looking forward to seeing all the looks.'
TimesLIVE
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
DJ Ntukza balances beats and lenses with Swidi Films
DJ Ntukza, whose real name is Ntutuko Mtshali, has been at the helm of the deep house scene for more than two decades. He started his career in the mainstream through Afro Fashion Lounge Vol 1 in 2009 alongside DJ Tira and the late Tumza. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, DJ Ntukza, who hails from Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal, said he has a new life behind the lens in photography and videography. In addition to his DJ career, he is a member of new Durban media house Swidi Films, which opened its doors in 2024. "I was invited by my friend DJ Boonu to join the ship and help bring in fresh ideas," DJ Ntukza said. "It's been challenging yet exciting, breaking into a new field and learning from our team of professional photographers and videographers. "Swidi Films started strong. Our first major project was shooting the music video for Gucci by Mthandeni SK and Mawhoo, a song that later won Song of the Year on Ukhozi FM. We followed that with the music video for DJ Thukzin's emotional anthem Sohlala Sisonke, which has been making waves across the country." In 2017 DJ Ntukza stunned hip-hop fans when he played a deep-house set during US rap group Migos' concert at the Dome in Randburg. DJ Ntukza said his momentum hasn't slowed down. 'We're working on some big projects,' he said. 'One of the highlights was being invited to Swaziland to cover King Mswati III's 57th birthday celebration, a huge honour for our team. 'It's an exciting journey and I'm learning every day.'
