Dumza Maswana

BIO

Dumza Maswana is a South African artist well-known for the singular depth of his soothing baritone voice. He fuses tradition, spiritual and jazz to create sonic experiences that uplift, inspire and heal. Dumza writes and sings from a place of knowing, reflecting all that he has experienced and paying homage to his culture and the music that inspires him.
Born in the vibrant small town of Ngqushwa, in the Eastern Cape, Dumza was drawn to music at an early age, a passion that moved him to form Healing Voices, an all-male gospel group he started at 17 years old, before moving to the City of Gold, Johannesburg, to further his musical interest.
Having been influenced by the likes of Victor Ntoni, Sibongile Khumalo and Caiphus Semenya, Dumza’s lyrical prowess, wide vocal range and authenticity earned him a SAMA nomination for his debut album, Molo, which was released in 2016. The album was well-received, with gems such as Emihle, which was dedicated to his daughter, and Nomthandazo, which listed on 17 different radio stations, including Kaya-FM, Umhlobo Wenene, Radio 2000, Ukhozi FM and SAfm His song The Letter received the award for Best Jazz Song at the 2017 Mzansi Jazz Awards.

Dumza’s artistry has landed him on global stages, including those at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, where was accompanied by the Mzansi Musical Ensemble, and the Performed at Sing! Festival in Toronto, Canada. Locally, he has graced the Grahamstown National Arts Festival and Macufe Festival, Ebubelenj Festival and Buyelekhaya Festival stages.
In his live performances, Dumza is known for taking the audience on a journey, inviting them to take part in his enchanting storytelling and soulful melodies. He recently released his first live album, Live At The Guild Theatre.
He has shared the stage with some of South Africa’s most illustrious musicians, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana, Ringo Madlingozi, Tshepo Tshola, Sphokazi, the Jaziel Brothers, Mafikizolo, and the legendary Victor Ntoni. He has been featured in the works of award-winning DJ Mobi Dixon and DJ Palture and the latest album of Black Motion.
Dumza just released his third album titled "Celebrating African Song", which was produced by award-winning and globally-celebrated South African jazz pianist and producer, Andile Yenana.
Released on the 4th February 2022.

Dumza Maswana is also a radio presenter on UMHLOBO WENENE FM since 2022, presenting 2 shows, a jazz show called “Uncuthu Lomculo weJazz” & literature show called “Ufundo Lwencwadi.”

ALBUMS
*MOLO
*LIVE AT THE GUILD THEATRE
*CELEBRATING AFRICAN SONG

FESTIVALS
NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL - 2017 – 2022-
GRAHAMSTOWN
EDINBURG FRINGE FESTIVAL- 2019 - UK
SING FESTIVAL – 2019 & 2022 – CANADA
JOY OF JAZZ – 2022 – JOHANNESBURG
EBUBELENI MUSIC FESTIVAL - 2021/2 -
GQEBERHA
G20 SUMMIT – 2023 - INDIA
TCS RUHANIYAT FEST - 2024 - INDIA
TCS RUHANIYAY FESTIVAL - 2025 - INDIA

AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SAMA 23 NOMINATION – MOLO - 2017
4 MZANTSI JAZZ AWARDS NOMINATIONS -
2017
BEST JAZZ SONG: MZANTSI JAZZ AWARDS
(MOLO – 2017)
EC DEPARTMENT OF ARTS & CULTURE MEC
SPECIAL AWARD FOR MUSIC AND LANGUAGE
2018
ISAKHONO AWARD: JAZZ FELLOW – 2022/23
SAMA29 NOMINATION: BEST ADULT
CONTEMPORARY ALBUM - 2023