SA’s Thandiswa Mazwai signs new deal ahead of album release

The news was announced by Universal Music Group, a leading American-French global music corporation. Thandiswa was with Gallo Music Group before she signed this deal.

Commenting on the deal, Sipho Dlamini, Managing Director of Universal Music South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa said, “This is such an honour, it’s been a pleasure watching Thandiswa grow into her space and see the ease in which she occupies it. We are delighted to participate in her project, Belede is an amazing album, and we wanted to do a deal with her as soon as we heard it.”

The record label will be distributing her new album Belede which is available for pre-order on iTunes together with her first single 'Jikijela'. The single is available as an instant download on iTunes and Apple Music. The official album release date is 25 November on all digital music platforms worldwide as well as Musica Stores countrywide.

Belede is Thandiswa’s third album and a jazz tribute named after her late mother. It is her first studio album in seven years. In a statement, Thandiswa,  also a lead vocalist and songwriter of Bongo Maffin  said, “Making this album was a sonic delight and I feel blessed to have been able to sing some of these songs and pay tribute to some of the most rebellious and monumental musicians of my time.”

Some of the songs on the album reflect on the political temperature in her country’s post-apartheid era. “I’ve reimagined these songs for a new space and time, and what’s interesting is that even though a lot of these songs were written as rebel music against Apartheid, they still make sense in South Africa now. They still have the same impact, ask the same questions and evoke the same actions.”

Thandiswa co-created the album with drummer Ayanda Sikade, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini and bassist Herbie Tsoaeli. She has worked with the trio for many years. On this new album, the trio contributed virtuoso playing fused with Mazwai’s vocal crests and waves.

The public are invited to celebrate with the legendary singer when she launches Belede on Thursday, 24 November at The Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg. Tickets are available from R200 at Webtickets and Soweto Theatre.