Award-winning Sandton singers Mawhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu have joined forces on a 15-track Maskandi album, Isithembu, that celebrates Zulu culture, female talent and the evolution of one of South Africa’s most distinctive musical genres.

The two artists unveiled the project at an exclusive and intimate listening session at the Theatre of Marcellus on August 26, bringing together industry figures, collaborators and guests to celebrate what they describe as a new chapter for Maskandi. The album, which is set for release on August 28, brings together the distinct sounds of the two Zulu artists while featuring a mix of established and emerging Maskandi talent.

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Female artists reclaim space in male-dominated genre

Among the artists featured on the project are young singer Feza, legendary female duo Izingane Zoma, renowned Maskandi artist Mthandeni and musical talent Siya Ntuli. For Mawhoo and Lwah, the project is about more than making music. It aims to create space for women in a genre traditionally dominated by men while giving traditional Zulu music a contemporary sound that connects with younger audiences and bridges generational gaps.

The timing of the album’s release comes at the end of Women’s Month and as South Africa prepares to enter Heritage Month. The project places female artists at the centre of the Maskandi conversation, with Mawhoo and Lwah using their voices to challenge the idea that the genre belongs predominantly to men. The launch reflected that spirit of unity and female solidarity.

MC Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzolo, daughter of legendary musician Ihashi Elimhlophe, welcomed the artists to the stage with warmth and grace, setting the tone for an evening centred on culture, music and sisterhood. Guests were given an exclusive look at a documentary about the making of the Zulu Queens phenomenon, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the journey that brought Mawhoo and Lwah together.

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Building a bridge between past and future

Mawhoo said the collaboration represents a much bigger movement than simply releasing a body of music. “This is more than an album; it is a movement,” said Mawhoo. “Lwah and I have always shared a deep love for our heritage, and bringing these incredible artists together, especially Feza and the legends, feels like we are building a bridge between the past and the future of Maskandi. Last night was just the beginning.”

Lwah Ndlunkulu said being surrounded by fellow women and some of the genre’s established names reinforced the importance of working together. “Standing on that stage with Mawhoo and our sisters, surrounded by so much talent, I felt the power of unity,” said Lwah Ndlunkulu. “This project is for the culture, for the queens, and for everyone who believes in the beauty of our music. ‘Distance’ [trending song on the album] is just a taste of the fire we have coming.”

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