Music
Thandiswa Mazwai Wins Four SAMA Awards for Sankofa
The 31st annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) ceremony on Sunday, December 14, 2025, was a night to celebrate Thandiswa Mazwai, whose acclaimed 2024 album, Sankofa, won four major awards. The achievement cemented her status as an influential voice in African music.
Mazwai’s fourth studio album, Sankofa, was among the most-nominated projects, sharing the top spot with artists like Black Motion and Kelvin Momo. The quality and meticulous creation behind the work were recognized with wins in technical categories, showcasing the album’s quality. Her awards include Best Engineered Album and Best Produced Album.
Beyond the technical triumphs, Sankofa was honored in two major categories. Mazwai was named Female Artist of the Year, and she also secured the award for Best African Adult Contemporary Album, acknowledging the album’s success within this genre.

Thandiswa Mazwai : Instagram
She was a top contender with Black Motion and Kelvin Momo, for the total number of nominations, the full list of competitors in the categories she won gives true context. For the Female Artist of the Year category, the results do not specify the other artists she was directly contested with. Similarly, the exact list of albums she competed against for Best African Adult Contemporary Album is not specified, though the list of winners confirms she won.

Thandiswa Mazwai : Instagram
For the technical awards, Best Engineered Album and Best Produced Album, only Sankofa is listed as the winner; the competing engineers and producers are not specified.
Read Also : Thuli Phongolo Announces New Song ‘HAI SUKA’, Opens Up about Life in Entertainment
Mazwai’s dominance at the SAMAs highlights a perfect evening for a musician who has paid her dues. The celebration was captured in her social media post following the wins. Her success, alongside other major winners of the night like Goldmax, took home Album of the Year.
Music
Msheke Lezinto Drops Hot New Single “IMPICABADALA
Msheke Lezinto has a new release titled “IMPICABADALA”. The track captures the spirit of South Africa’s Amapiano sound. With this lively new single, Lezinto’s musical influence has continued to grow.
Released in March 2026, “IMPICABADALA” brings together other artists like LeeMcKrazy and Carnival King, with vocal support from Nandi Ndathane and Sinny Man’Que. The collaboration shows the solidarity among South African artists.

Msheke Lezinto: Instagram
The track contains elements in Amapiano. It includes deep long drums, layered percussion, and smooth piano melodies. Music reviewers note that the song focuses on rhythm and atmosphere.
Read Also: Kelvin Momo Set to Host “One Man Concert” in Durban
The artists featured in this song contribute catchy hooks and rhythmic chants. Each voice adds a different texture. Instead of a single dominant performer, the track thrives on group synergy.

Msheke Lezinto: Instagram
Over recent years, Msheke Lezinto has built recognition through consistent releases and partnerships like Lungile Womhlaba, DJ Big Sky amongst others. The release comes at a time when Amapiano music relevance has grown. What began as a local South African sound is now an international musical force, it has influenced DJs and artists across Africa and beyond.
With “IMPICABADALA,” Msheke Lezinto has shown he is among the emerging South African artists with a bright future. The single combines rhythm and collaboration.
Music
Tutu Puoane Returns to Cape Town Jazz Festival
Tutu Puoane will return to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2026. Her appearance has drawn strong interest from jazz audiences, who want to see what she will present.
The 2026 edition of the festival is scheduled on March 27 and 28 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This brings together global and local talent for what is known as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering.” This began in 2000 as the North Sea Jazz Festival Cape Town and was renamed in 2005.

Tutu Puoane: Instagram
Puoane described returning to perform at home as a significant momen. She says that being invited to major festivals in South Africa is something she values highly.
“Playing at home is very important to me. It rejuvenates my soul,” she said.
Puoane was born in Atteridgeville and raised in Mamelodi. studied jazz vocals at the University of Cape Town in the late 1990s, where her professional career developed. She has built an international music career and lived in Antwerp, Belgium. Her music blends African culture with contemporary jazz traditions.
has performed in South Africa on multiple occasions. Festival organisers have described her appearance a notable addition to the programme.

Tutu Puoane: Getty images
The 2026 festival lineup continues its focus on and talent. Established names like Zoe Modiga, Jacob Collier, Yellowjackets and Scorpion Kings are attending. For fans attending the 2026 Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Tutu Puoane’s performance expected to draw strong interest.
Music
Rorisang Sechele Talks Fearless Artistry Ahead of Her Cape Town International Jazz Festival Performance
Rorisang Sechele is preparing for her performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. As one of South African top vocalists, her appearance at the festival marks an important milestone in her career.
Ahead of the festival, Sechele has spoken about her creative journey and audiences expectations. She sees music as a form of storytelling that reflects real emotions and identity. This approach allows her to connect with listeners in a meaningful way. She said:

Rorisang Sechele:Instagram
“To me, being fearless in music means having the courage to be completely honest and unapologetic. It is about showing up as my full, authentic self, without hiding behind expectations or trends. Fearlessness is choosing to trust my instincts, even when the path feels uncertain or is the road less taken, and allowing my truth to lead the creative process.”
She blends jazz with soul, African rhythms, and contemporary sounds, as in her album ‘The Seed’. She believes that being open and emotionally honest is what allows artists to produce powerful music. According to her, courage in music means sharing personal truths even when uncomfortable. This view has defined how she performs and connects with audiences.

Rorisang Sechele:Instagram
Read Also: Mariah the Scientist Delivers an Electrifying Performance at the WAV Festival
Preparing for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival represents a major career milestone. The festival is one of Africa’s leading music events, featuring international artists like Jacob Collier and Yellowjackets. Performing there allows her to connect with a broader audience and gain international exposure. She said her performance will include unique arrangements to engage the audience fully.
Offstage, Sechele is passionate about the future of jazz. She hopes younger audiences will appreciate it and see jazz as something dynamic. As the festival approaches, she is preparing to deliver an engaging performance.
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