SA: Thandiswa Mazwai to celebrate 50th birthday with new festival

Mazwai, known for her influential role in South Africa’s music scene and her decades-long career, will headline the event. She first gained prominence as part of the group Bongo Maffin before embarking on a successful solo career. Her most recent album, Sankofa, released in 2024, has received five nominations at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

Reflecting on her career, Mazwai said she felt “honoured” to remain recognised in the industry after three decades. “My first radio hit was 30 years ago with a group called Jacknife, and I am honoured to still be one of the top nominated artists at the SAMAs for my album Sankofa,” she said.

The Sankofa Heritage Festival is designed to highlight the continuity of African sound and tradition, with performances expected to showcase a range of artists across genres and generations. The full line-up will be announced in the coming months.

Mazwai said the festival aims to create space for both established and emerging artists while fostering cultural expression. “There is a need for more artist-curated festivals that centre music, freedom, and community. I am creating this festival to not only give space to upcoming artists but to also celebrate our cultures and collective humanity,” she said.

The event is supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy Initiative.

Tickets are available via Computicket.