Latest news with #ThandiswaMazwai
eNCA
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Thandiswa Mazwai reflects on her musical career
JOHANNESBURG - Tomorrow is Africa Day. The theme is 'Revisiting our History, Shaping our Future'. It comes amid the AU's Year of Reparations. So, ahead of the official celebrations we are joined in studio by award-winning musician, Thandiswa Mazwai.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thandiswa Mazwai on the power of music and the celebration of African heritage
As May unfolds, a month that serves as a vibrant ode to African culture, heritage, and ancestral legacies, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai takes centre stage, reflecting on the vital role these elements play in her life and artistry. As May unfolds, a month that serves as a vibrant ode to African culture, heritage, and ancestral legacies, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai takes centre stage, reflecting on the vital role these elements play in her life and artistry. As May celebrates the beauty of African culture and heritage, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai reflects on her enduring commitment to African culture highlighting the profound role it plays in her life and music. With Ancestors Day earlier this month leading the charge, Mazwai tells Saturday Star that embracing her cultural heritage is more than just remembrance; it is a lively revival of the African people's stories, music, and spirit, which is rooted in every aspect of her artistry. "For me, celebrating history means more than remembering the past - it's about reviving the stories, sounds, and spirit of our people. It's about using music and tradition as powerful tools to reconnect with who we are and where we come from," she says. In a collaboration with Castle Milk Stout, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), Mazwai says they aim for Ancestors Day to achieve official recognition as a National Day of Commemoration in South Africa. The music sensation explains that this initiative, sparked in 2021, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of honouring ancestors nationwide. 'Castle Milk Stout and I have been partners for many years, grounded in a shared commitment to celebrating African culture and heritage. Together, we are amplifying the call to give Ancestor's Day the national recognition it deserves,' she emphasises. With this month, infused with the essence of heritage, she says it is also a reminder of the importance of daily celebration. 'Heritage is a living, breathing thing and should be engaged and celebrated every day. A dedicated month is pivotal, as it helps draw attention to some disappearing cultures and cultural practices. Ancestors are lineage. It is important to have some knowledge of what one's bloodline has endured and survived and what they may have invented. As stated in one of my songs, 'andihambi ndedwa'. The award-winning musician also reflects on her three-decade journey in the music industry, during which time she has had the privilege of working with iconic figures such as Hugh Masekela, Busi Mhlongo, and Miriam Makeba. 'I have been in the industry for 30 years and worked with many of my heroes. People like Hugh Masekela and Busi Mhlongo, who were not only mentors but dear friends. Also great legends like Miriam Makeba. I have been truly blessed.' While discussing her creative intentions, Mazwai elaborates on the distinct desires guiding her recordings versus her live performances. 'The intention of the recording is different from the intention of the live performance. One hopes to create peace and healing while the other hopes to inspire exuberance and a sense of freedom. But all of it hopes to inspire pride and self-worth for the African child.' Saturday Star
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thandiswa Mazwai on the power of music and the celebration of African heritage
As May unfolds, a month that serves as a vibrant ode to African culture, heritage, and ancestral legacies, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai takes centre stage, reflecting on the vital role these elements play in her life and artistry. As May unfolds, a month that serves as a vibrant ode to African culture, heritage, and ancestral legacies, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai takes centre stage, reflecting on the vital role these elements play in her life and artistry. As May celebrates the beauty of African culture and heritage, acclaimed musician Thandiswa Mazwai reflects on her enduring commitment to African culture highlighting the profound role it plays in her life and music. With Ancestors Day earlier this month leading the charge, Mazwai tells Saturday Star that embracing her cultural heritage is more than just remembrance; it is a lively revival of the African people's stories, music, and spirit, which is rooted in every aspect of her artistry. "For me, celebrating history means more than remembering the past - it's about reviving the stories, sounds, and spirit of our people. It's about using music and tradition as powerful tools to reconnect with who we are and where we come from," she says. In a collaboration with Castle Milk Stout, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), Mazwai says they aim for Ancestors Day to achieve official recognition as a National Day of Commemoration in South Africa. The music sensation explains that this initiative, sparked in 2021, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of honouring ancestors nationwide. 'Castle Milk Stout and I have been partners for many years, grounded in a shared commitment to celebrating African culture and heritage. Together, we are amplifying the call to give Ancestor's Day the national recognition it deserves,' she emphasises. With this month, infused with the essence of heritage, she says it is also a reminder of the importance of daily celebration. 'Heritage is a living, breathing thing and should be engaged and celebrated every day. A dedicated month is pivotal, as it helps draw attention to some disappearing cultures and cultural practices. Ancestors are lineage. It is important to have some knowledge of what one's bloodline has endured and survived and what they may have invented. As stated in one of my songs, 'andihambi ndedwa'. The award-winning musician also reflects on her three-decade journey in the music industry, during which time she has had the privilege of working with iconic figures such as Hugh Masekela, Busi Mhlongo, and Miriam Makeba. 'I have been in the industry for 30 years and worked with many of my heroes. People like Hugh Masekela and Busi Mhlongo, who were not only mentors but dear friends. Also great legends like Miriam Makeba. I have been truly blessed.' While discussing her creative intentions, Mazwai elaborates on the distinct desires guiding her recordings versus her live performances. 'The intention of the recording is different from the intention of the live performance. One hopes to create peace and healing while the other hopes to inspire exuberance and a sense of freedom. But all of it hopes to inspire pride and self-worth for the African child.' Saturday Star
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Ekurhuleni welcomes back Lira for the 10th Business Premium Jazz Festival
Ekurhuleni welcomes back Lira for the 10th Business Premium Jazz Festival. Multi-platinum selling and award-winning artist Lira is returning to the Ekurhuleni stage as the headline act for the 10th edition of the festival. Set to take place on August 2 at Carnival City, it will feature artists such as Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Amanda Black and Thembisa Jazz Masters. This year's edition marks a significant milestone for the festival, which has steadily grown into one of South Africa's premier music and lifestyle experiences. Themed as a celebration of women in music, the 2025 festival will feature an all-female line-up of some of the country's most accomplished and dynamic artists. This special edition not only highlights the strength and artistry of women in South Africa's music industry but also celebrates the resilience and evolution of the festival in its 10th year. What began as a niche jazz experience has become a staple on Gauteng's cultural calendar, attracting thousands of music lovers annually and showcasing the best in Afro-soul, jazz, and contemporary sounds. 'Our 10th anniversary is a tribute to all the artists, patrons and partners who've walked this journey with us,' said Richard Ramudzuli, founder of Thikho Events. 'Having Lira return to Ekurhuleni for this special occasion, with an incredible all-women line-up, is a full-circle moment and a powerful way to celebrate music, womanhood and 10 years of premium entertainment.' The event promises an evening of elegance, soul-stirring performances and a refined musical experience that caters to jazz lovers, mature audiences and fans of authentic South African talent. With meticulously curated production and a luxurious atmosphere, the festival remains committed to delivering quality entertainment and cultural enrichment.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Work already under way for next year's Jazz Fest in March
South African rebel singer Thandiswa Mazwai on the Kippies stage during the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The rhythm may have faded and the lights dimmed on this past weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival, but the energy is still pulsing through the city. With over 24 000 people in attendance, the Mother City was alive with music, connection, and culture - an unforgettable experience that left fans, artists, and industry leaders breathless. And just as the city starts to return to its usual tempo, espAfrika, the powerhouse organisers behind the festival, have dropped another beat: next year's festival will take place on March 27 and 28, 2026. Thousands of people from across the globe attended the CTIJF 2025 where top local and international artists took to the stage. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Diarise it now because if this year was anything to go by, next year promises to be even more spectacular. Pulling off a festival of this magnitude was no small feat. It took grit, grace, and sheer determination - and the exceptional team of women behind the scenes delivered with brilliance. 'This year's festival was a labour of love, a celebration of resilience and a return to what we know Cape Town does best - host the world with style, sound and soul,' said Shaakirah Adams, head of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. 'The response has been overwhelming - from sold-out shows to the electric social media buzz. We are proud, we are grateful, and we are already planning how to make next year even more unforgettable. 'The response has been nothing short of phenomenal: glowing reviews, wall-to-wall crowds, and social feeds exploding with praise. But none of it would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, sponsors, and most importantly, the vision and backing of the Survé family. As owners of the festival, the Survé family - and in particular, Rayhaan Survé, who played a critical oversight role - have been deeply involved in both planning and execution." Their commitment to the arts is not just symbolic; it's part of a far-reaching philanthropic mission that stretches across the African continent. Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini closed their show strongly, elevating the spirit of CTIJF to new heights. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers 'People always asked me what the jazz festival is really about. For the first time, I don't have to tell them. On Friday, the collaboration between Nduduzo Makhatini and Black Coffee showcased jazz as the foundation that invited all genres of music onto the stage." "On Saturday, Thandiswa Mazwai led a spiritual awakening of 7 000 people, some of whom have never experienced South African culture. This past weekend captured a transition of the festival to become so much more than an event but a reconnection to cultural identity across generations, genres and demographics. " "The CTIJF truly captures all that we hope to achieve as a country,' said Rayhaan speaking on behalf of the Survé family.
