Mazwai reflects on musical journey ahead of CTIJF

AS THE vibrant notes of jazz prepare to echo through the halls of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Thandiswa Mazwai stands on the brink of another memorable performance, embodying the very essence of this audacious genre.

- LUTHO PASIYA

With a career that spans decades, Mazwai looks back at her musical journey ahead of the eagerly anticipated Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), reflecting on her roots, influences, and the dynamic power of live music.

Renowned as one of South Africa's most influential musical voices, Mazwai's latest masterpiece, Sankofa, released in 2024, continues to challenge and redefine the boundaries of artistic expression.

She originally burst onto the scene in the late 1990s as a member of the beloved groups Jack Knife and Bongo Maffin.

Over time, she has transcended her early beginnings, establishing herself as a solo artist whose innovative sound interlaces traditional African rhythms with the contemporary stylings of jazz and soul.

Her debut album, Zabalaza, introduced listeners to her captivating voice and the profound themes of identity, struggle, and resilience embedded in her lyrics.

Through her artistry, Mazwai has evolved into not just an entertainer but a beacon of inspiration within the rich cultural tapestry of SA.

Her melodies encapsulate the consciousness of a generation awakening from the ashes of apartheid, echoing both nostalgia and the complexities of modern-day discontent.

The title of her latest album, Sankofa, which translates from the Ghanaian Twi language as “to go back and fetch what has been left behind”, resonates deeply within her latest work.

Drawing from archival Xhosa samples from the International Library of African Music at Rhodes University, she weaves historical musical elements seamlessly into a sound as fresh as it is rooted in tradition, fusing them with the intricacies of jazz and West African music.