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6 Iconic Mzansi Female Musicians

News
08 August 2016
Mzansi Magic Music celebrates great women in the music industry
6 Iconic Mzansi Female Musicians Image : 1041

The now hallowed South African struggle chant goes: “Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo” (You strike a woman, you strike a rock), sung by a 20 000 strong group of mothers, sisters, daughters and all round heroines of the soil; it epitomises the character and strength that resides in the bodies and minds of all South African women – young and old- from all corners of our beloved Mzansi.

The struggle chant also illustrates the keystone role that music played in the lives of these princesses and queens. Mzansi Magic Music is all about great women in the music industry and to celebrate this month we highlight 9 ladies who have catapulted South African music to heights unimagined left thus leaving indelible imprint on the global music scene with their angelic sounds that transcend time and space; from the early pioneers to the most current divas who are carrying the torch into the next millennia.

1. Miriam Makeba

The late great Mama Africa! Zenzile Miriam Makeba (4 March 1932 – 9 November 2008) was more than just a multi-talented singer, she was a civil rights activist, a trend setter and a pioneer for much that was later for follow in the music. She was one of the first female musicians from Mzansi to break into the U.S. market, the only female artist to from South Africa win a Grammy Award and one of the first artists to introduce trending dance styles with the “Pata Pata”. Did you know that Mama Africa was one of the entertainers to perform at the most famous fight in boxing history the Rumble in The Jungle?

2. The Mahotella Queens

The undisputed Queens of mbaqanga music, these ladies set the trail for the girl groups in South Africa. The energised choreography, up-tempo sound and multi-coloured outfits helped put them on the map propelling them and lead vocalist Simon Mahlathini Nkabinde to international renown.

3. Brenda Fassie


There can be no list of great South African musicians female or male without the Madonna of the townships Brenda Nokuzola Fassie (3 November 1964 – 9 May 2004). More number 1 hits than Drake, more allure than Rihanna and Julius Malema combined, in essence, simply the best. Brenda changed the face of South African pop culture forever. Her first record was made in 1983 with the hit single “Weekend Special”, which became the fastest-selling record at the time.

4. Lebo Mathosa

Lebo Mathosa (16 July 1977 - 23 October 2006) started her career at 17 years of age, with the now legendary kwaito group Boom Shaka. She was one of the few female artist to dominate the music scene at the turn of the 20th century in a male dominated industry. She performed all over the globe, from to Malaysia to Trafalgar Square in London, one of her most noteworthy performances being at Nelson Mandela's 85th birthday party. She also toured the US with the show The Vagina Monologues. Lebo’s larger than life personality and eccentric fashion sense paved the way for the likes of Mshoza, Babes Wodumo and Nadia Nakai to gain prominence in a genre and industry that marginalised female artists; a true game changer for the Women of Mzansi.

5. Rebecca Malope

32 albums in a music career so far…. Just let that stat sink in for a moment! It could be argued that Sis Rebecca has single-handedly taken the South African Gospel genre to commercial prominence over the span of her 3 decades long career. She has consistently been one of the highest selling female artists in the country and has paved the way for the most prominent gospel artists to make their mark on the gospel industry. A lot of artists have even been accused of imitating her sound and delivery (Lundi and Deborah Fraser) while other artist such as Sifiso Ncwange, Hlengiwe have used her style as a framework to build their careers on. Her talents now stretch towards the television realm while she is considered by many as the musical symbol for modern day Mzansi Christian music.

6. Thandiswa Mazwai

Born in the year of the Soweto Uprisings, it would seem that Thandiswa was pre-destined to be an activist for Human rights and the plight of the impoverished masses through her music. A curvaceous blend between Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill, her music has always been infused with socio-political lyricism that affirms women’s empowerment. Her performance resume is enviable - 2010 World Cup opening ceremony, the Apollo Theatre in NY, Cannes Film festival to mention but a very few, to collaborations with South African greats such as Tshepo Tshola, Hugh Masekela, Stimela and Busi Mhlongo. There is no disputing Thandiswa’s status as an icon in South African music.