Suthu Makiwane

BIO

Suthu Makiwane is a multifaceted creative professional, music entrepreneur, and guitarist from South Africa. As the founder of StoneSoup – The AfroPunks, Durban’s pioneering Afropunk band, she continues to push sonic boundaries with a bold and genre-fluid sound that celebrates African identity. Alongside her sister and co-founder, Onele Makiwane, she brings to life an alternative musical experience that blends rhythm, language, and culture through original compositions sung in their native Xhosa tongue.

A lead and rhythm guitarist with a distinct personal style, Suthu is known for her ability to fuse diverse influences into performances that are both soulful and unconventional. Her artistry is rooted in authenticity and experimentation, positioning her as a unique voice in South Africa’s evolving live music scene.

Professionally, she has extensive experience in administration, coordination, and customer relations, with over a decade of experience in the corporate and creative sectors. A graduate of KUMISA’s Music Business and Publishing programme and holder of a Data Analytics Certificate from ALX Africa, she combines her creative background with strong organisational and data-driven skills to support the growth of the African creative economy.

Driven by purpose and passion, Suthu Makiwane continues to build bridges between creativity, business, and community—advocating for a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive African music industry.