Thandiswa Mazwai Biography: Age, Husband, Songs, Net Worth, Albums, Daughter, Family, Partner

Biography

Thandiswa Mazwai (born March 31, 1976) is a multifaceted South African artist who has made a mark as a musician, singer, songwriter, poet, and social activist. 

While gaining prominence as the lead singer and songwriter for the Kwaito band Bongo Maffin, she has also ventured into a solo career, releasing six albums over the years. Notable works include Zabalaza (2004), Ibokwe (2009), and The Commander (2015). 

Thandiswa Mazwai‘s exceptional talents have earned her accolades, including the South African Music Award for Female Artist of the Year. Beyond her musical achievements, she is recognized for her outspoken advocacy for social justice and women’s rights.

Thandiswa Mazwai
Thandiswa Mazwai: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Thandiswa Nyameka Mazwai
Stage Name:	Thandiswa Mazwai
Born:	31 March 1976 (age 48 years old)
Place of Birth:	Eastern Cape, South Africa
Nationality:	South African
Education:	University of the Witwatersrand
Height:	1.57 m
Parents:	Thami Mazwai, Belede Mazwai
Siblings:	Ntsiki Mazwai, Nomsa Mazwai
Spouse:	Anika
Boyfriend • Partner:	Anika (curr.), Stoan Seate (ex.)
Children:	Malaika Mazwai
Occupation:	Singer • Songwriter
Net Worth:	US$1 million

Early Life & Education

Thandiswa Mazwai was born on March 31, 1976, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, but her formative years unfolded in the challenging environment of Soweto, Johannesburg, during the turbulent apartheid era of the 1980s. Growing up in a household deeply involved in journalism and anti-apartheid activism, with parents Belede Mazwai and Thami Mazwai, she was immersed in a culture of reading materials and political discussions that nurtured her artistic inclinations.

Raised alongside two siblings, Ntsiki Mazwai and Nomsa Mazwai, Thandiswa‘s family background strongly influenced her music career. Her parents’ commitment to political activism shaped her musical style, incorporating traditional African sounds and rhythms into her work. Despite the challenges of growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, Thandiswa has succeeded as an artist, earning recognition nationally and internationally.

After completing high school, Thandiswa Mazwai pursued higher education at Wits University, majoring in English literature and international relations. The knowledge and skills acquired during her academic years at the university laid the foundation for her career as a singer and activist. 

Career

The South African Kwaito band Bongo Maffin debuted with the album “U Can’t Hold Us” in 1995, marking the beginning of their successful journey in the Kwaito music scene. Lead singer Thandiswa Mazwai, however, chose to pivot her career in 2000, parting ways with Bongo Maffin to pursue her solo ambitions. 

Four years later, Mazwai released her debut solo album, Zabalaza, which received critical acclaim and commercial success. The album secured four South African Music Awards, including Best Album, and earned a BBC Radio 3 Planet Award nomination.

In 2009, Thandiswa Mazwai released her second solo album, Ibokwe, which achieved financial success and garnered praise from critics and listeners. The album’s broad appeal led to its recognition as the Best Afro-Soul Album at the prestigious South African Music Awards. 

Mazwai collaborated with renowned musicians such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Deantoni Parks, and Paul Simon throughout her musical journey. Beyond her solo work, she has contributed her musical talents to various movies and television series, composing and performing original music.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: Daughter of the Soil (@thandiswamazwai)
• Twitter handle: Daughter of the Soil (@thandiswamazwai)

Personal Life

Renowned musician Thandiswa Mazwai once dated fellow musician Stoan Seate of Bongo Maffin. Their relationship, which produced a daughter named Malaika Mazwai in 2005, faced challenges, leading to their divorce in 2010. Despite parting ways, they maintain a loving co-parenting relationship for the sake of their daughter.

Since then, Thandiswa has been in a decade-long relationship with Anika, though they are not legally married. Their private relationship thrives, and Thandiswa, defying societal expectations, rejects labels on her sexuality. She believes in embracing individuals for who they are rather than confining herself to traditional categories of sexual identity.

Discography

• 2004: Zabalaza 
• 2009: Ibokwe 
• Dance of the Forgotten Free 
• 2015: Babalwa 
• 2020: Zimzalam 

Net Worth

Thandiswa Mazwai‘s net worth is believed to reach approximately $1 million. This impressive figure includes all the income sources she has generated from her successful music career. 

These sources include earnings from her music sales, live performances, tours, and numerous lucrative endorsement deals.