Thandiswa Mazwai Perfoms On Tiny Desk
Thandiswa Mazwai, a seminal figure in post-apartheid South African music, recently graced NPR’s Tiny Desk with a performance that was not just a showcase of her incredible talent but also a vibrant celebration of South African culture and resilience. For nearly three decades, Mazwai has been at the forefront of the Kwaito scene, a genre that melds elements from hip-hop, reggae, jazz, and house music, creating a sound that is uniquely South African yet universally appealing.
Opening her set with “Nizalwa Ngobani?”, Mazwai immediately posed a poignant question to her audience: “Do you know where you come from?” This song, sung in the Xhosa language, serves as a powerful reminder of heritage and resilience, themes that are deeply embedded in Mazwai’s music and ethos. She dedicated the song to the enduring spirit of the South African people, acknowledging their role in her international success with heartfelt gratitude: “I want to say to my people at home, thank you. I am known worldwide because of you.”
Following this powerful opener, Mazwai transitioned into “Ingoma,” a love song that exemplifies her ability to blend deep emotional expression with catchy, memorable hooks. The phrase “Ngoma we, ngoma we, ngoma we” resonates as a testament to the enduring power of song, an art form that Mazwai has mastered over her illustrious career.
The third song in her set, “Children of the Soil,” was dedicated to global struggles for freedom. Mazwai’s music has always been imbued with messages of empowerment and resistance, and this song is no exception. With “Children of the Soil,” she calls on people everywhere to use their voices in the fight for freedom, a timely and timeless message of activism. Mazwai announced that the song would feature on her upcoming album, Sankofa, adding anticipation for new music from this iconic artist.
Closing her Tiny Desk concert, Mazwai performed “Abenguni” and “Lahl’umlenze,” both of which showcase her dynamic range and the infectious rhythms of Kwaito. “Lahl’umlenze,” in particular, with its resilient hook “Why does it matter how I dance?” serves as a joyful rebuke to judgment and a celebration of individual expression.
Mazwai’s Tiny Desk performance was more than just a musical set; it was a journey through the heart of South Africa’s struggles and triumphs, embodied by one of its most influential musicians. Her music, deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of her country, speaks to universal themes of love, freedom, and resilience. Thandiswa Mazwai’s Tiny Desk concert is not just a testament to her talent but a beacon of hope and unity, reminding listeners everywhere of the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together.
