Thandiswa Mazwai: Tiny Desk x globalFEST

In 2021, the Tiny Desk x globalFEST series was created to promote international music discovery. For the last three years, artists from around the globe have performed Tiny Desk (home) concerts from their respective countries, but for the first time this year, artists performed at the Tiny Desk at NPR's headquarters.
Suraya Mohamed | April 1, 2024
Thandiswa Mazwai is one of post-apartheid South Africa's most influential musicians. For nearly 30 years she has championed a kind of dance music called Kwaito. The South African genre mixes a variety of rhythms and influences including hip-hop, reggae, jazz and house music.
This phenomenal set starts with “Nizalwa Ngobani?”, translated from the Xhosa language for “Do you know where you come from?” It’s dedicated to the ever-resilient people of South Africa. “I want to say to my people at home, thank you,” she says. “I am known worldwide because of you.” After, she sings a love song, “Ingoma” with the memorable hook “Ngoma we, ngoma we, ngoma we,” which loosely translates to “You are a song that I never get tired of.”
She dedicates the next song, “Children of the Soil,” to all the people around the world who find themselves struggling for freedom. “This is our time to use our voices,” she affirms. “This is the time for us to fight for freedom, wherever it is in the world.” “Children of the Soil” will be featured on her soon-to-be-released new album, Sankofa. And she finishes this set with the powerful “Abenguni,” and the catchy upbeat tune “Lahl’umlenze,” with its resilient hook: “Why does it matter how I dance?”
SET LIST
“Nizalwa Ngobani?”
“Ingoma”
“Children of the Soil”
“Abenguni”
“Lahl’umlenze”
MUSICIANS
Thandiswa Mazwai: lead vocals
Lungile (Lulu) Maduna: drums, vocals
Sunnyboy Mthimunye: guitar
Tendai Ali Shoko (Shox): bass
Thabang Tabane: percussion
Xolani Thabethe: keys, vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Neil Tevault
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Elizabeth Gillis
Audio Engineer: Becky Brown
Production Assistant: Elle Mannion
Photographer: Zayrha Rodriguez
Creative Designer: Jackie Lay
Tiny Desk Team: Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
globalFEST Team: Isabel Soffer, Bill Bragin, Shanta Thake, Zion Jackson, Ian Thake
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #thandiswamazwai

[@janinepaules9138]

Fellow South Africans are we all here?!!🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@africanblackasa]

Ohh yeah we never miss our own❤️

[@nombulelonicolettedavhana3752]

Just arrived. Sorry I’m late

[@lelethuhala3922]

sikhona❤😭

[@lethabolucky4684]

Ndiyaziqhenya ngawe muntu wami🎉🎉🎉

[@busisiwemqingwana5167]

🫡

[@i_vanta]

South Africans, I'm taking attendance. Please raise your hand when you hear your name! 🫡🫡

[@gbtmongoose97gbtmongoose97]

hand up

[@zintletsipa6240]

Present!

[@elonathemba0_556]

💯

[@ndunamaduna]

✋

[@syamthethwa1004]

Wola lapho

[@intentionaldrumming]

I'm Irish and I just love good music...no matter where it's from. This is magic music to me, I love it. This lady is fantastic, and the musicians behind her are amazing. I would listen to this all day long. Thank you Tiny desk for another gem!

[@lwazimachika3447]

🥳Please Listen to her new album Sankofa. I went to her album launch. Its beautiful.

[@transparent6945]

My Brudda👍🏾

[@blacknotecreativeworkspres5376]

I have been listening to her since I was six years old I'm 25 now and still here.

[@KhayelihleKhoza-lg8pp]

It's all about the feel

[@ekaa5255]

I’m a Nigerian hearing Thandiswa for the first time. Her music stirs and comforts the soul at the same time. Just magical. And these musicians are beyond. I want to cry this is so good. Sending love to South Africa.

[@lolobee1911]

❤

[@KhayelihleKhoza-lg8pp]

🇿🇦 loves you too. Naija

[@khithazantsi_7]

Her song abenguni accommodates you❤

[@MalaikaMazwai]

oh my mommy. im immensely proud of you. lets go get em

[@remotrent7756]

❤

[@dumisamoshani4848]

Been waiting for this performance after you announced🎉🎉🎉

[@ThibozMahla]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@thandondwandwe3987]

All love, she did amazing & she's always been ❤️🇿🇦🔥🙌🏾

[@njabumabu5224]

The way you celebrate your mum is so beautiful, nana❤❤❤❤

[@elleteephoenix9132]

Tiny desk was so lucky, this woman is a living legend

[@lindokuhleshabalala9942]

I concur ❤️

[@lichabamokhutsane4445]

I agree 👑🇿🇦

[@mashudumamuthamani8231]

True that her voice doesn't age Angelic voice 😢

[@lebolebstar6398]

Louder!

[@elleteephoenix9132]

@@mashudumamuthamani8231 it doesn't age, it matures like wine 🍷

[@lebogangkananto9779]

No one talks enough about how cool the drum guy's top is. 🙌🏾✨️

[@rae2050]

He’s a whole vibe!

[@kliquest]

More than 90% of Black South Africans can speak and understand English but they choose to sing in their African languages. From Amapiano to Every genre. Embrace your culture the Ancestors are proud

[@thezveducolloquium3294]

No lie! That makes your land special and blessed 🙏.

[@simphiwerini9652]

The languages carries our spirit. Just peaking eg isiXhosa the sound of the cliques and is rythm in itself. South african indegenous languages carries a spiritual rythm n trans. Poetry Storytelling singing. An average south african has sung in school or church choir.

[@notjustanother3191]

It's tough being God's chosen people but we make do :D

[@Ngisa]

No lie, and I get much better audience reception when singing in ISIXHOSA❤

[@Taylordessalines]

Love this.

[@lettienahole]

Namibia 🇳🇦 checking in because Thandiswa is for all of us Africans

[@mugumearnold6523]

From Uganda , for us all Africans❤❤❤

[@sikem6232]

❤️❤️❤️

[@LwaZulu88]

Nah just for us South Africans. Y’all like to steal from us🙄

[@tia_tha_blq_hppie]

❤❤❤

[@ThabisoLedwaba9]

We welcome you Namibian Queen ❤

[@naograndi1214]

I am from St. Lucia in the Caribbean and this music as had such a positive impact on me since viewing and discovering. An amazing artist .. happy I found her. I listen to her everyday now. More blessings and light to the South African people :)

[@lwazimachika3447]

Please Listen to her new album Sankofa. I went to her album launch. Its beautiful.

[@letlhogonolorampou3692]

❤

[@pascalbedoire1244]

This is probably one of the absolute best Tiny Desks imo ever!!

[@levernvanschalkwyk3933]

❤

[@cutykerry]

Kenyans Checking in because we love SouthAfrica!! 🇰🇪 ❤

[@tshepokhumalo3419]

We love u too❤

[@thabomabapa6967]

Karibu Dada wangu

[@dust_za]

We too love Kenya ❤

[@umilebhengu3718]

South Africa loves Kenya! ❤

[@palesa2906]

Karibu my sister 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@cristetia]

Who still goes insane when they hear Ingoma? What a Classic.

[@mondemeyi482]

Every Time 🥺❤ Lapho Ndili 2k 😂

[@KapturedKorporations]

Drives me crazy 😂🥺🤌🏽😍

[@zodwamdoda1069]

Everytime she sings she give me goose bumps🔥🔥🔥

[@babalwamhlabeni8987]

You are not alone my Sister🥹

[@Tom-rf2ht]

That album is probably top 3 South African albums of all time. It's perfect.

[@theamazingworship111]

Im fighting brain cancer on my own with my two young children this song is really the only thing keeping me from losing it. 🙏🙏🙏

[@nae1487]

God be with you

[@theamazingworship111]

Amen. Thank you very much. May God bless you all the days of your life. Have a Blessed day!@@nae1487

[@redibonemohlamonyane6239]

❤

[@Zintathu-js6qv]

Keep the faith and the fight going sending❤ strength 💪 and courage over u....

[@melisagotgrace]

Praying for you ❤

[@Sisa.N]

The first song in essence is saying you’ve forgotten who birthed you, you were birthed by legends! 😭🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@ktheko]

TinyDesk has no idea what treasure they have bought here..... Thandiswa, legendary moment here.....

[@dj.conkey802]

I totally agree 👍🏾

[@mandisamlambo5742]

I wouldn't have said it any better!

[@deityworks_]

I think they do. Hence they chose her to display her ART. NPR never disappoints. 💐

[@Locqueen-tp9ip]

I’m Black American. First time hearing this artist. Her voice, her style, her creativity is simply enchanting. Thank you Tiny Desk for showcasing Amazing Talent 🥹

[@neomobango584]

South african foke music, we call her style afro pop this side

[@tfmathe]

African authentic, Xhosa in origin like Mama Meriam Makeba. Camagu Locqueen

[@user-bx6nl8bz8j]

Check out The Soil, Samthing Soweto, obvious Miriam Makeba, Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe) and Siya Makuzeni. Noora Noor (Somali living in Norway) is excellent also (album: Soul Deep).

[@actuallywhatthehellissouthA]

There’s more where she came from

[@user-xv2sw2fx3r]

You should check out Sinphiwe Dana, Zahara, Siphokazi, Camagwini if you like the vibe of this music. All Xhosa soulful artists.

[@hannaarias993]

I am colombian and This is amazing! ❤thank you for sharing so much power in This music

[@MattsonTroy]

You're right I love this song, how are you doing?

[@elishakapambwe5392]

I’m Zambian 🇿🇲 and really appreciate our African divers and rich cultures ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-qk9ve5uz7f]

I love you for that🇿🇦 Please care to share 3 of your favourites from your home with 🙏

[@sivemente6525]

Im challenging myself everytime my comment gets liked I'll watch this video again

[@ArnieAlonzo]

Go!

[@YvetteMhlongo]

You better come watch again 😂

[@josh3221ify]

How about when it gets disliked?

[@nonkululekosibanyoni669]

Sive come watch

[@user-bd6qc2uu1v]

Let's get the views up on this one!

[@rashid_kay]

Thandiswa should have won a Grammy a long time ago. She’s absolutely the best👑🇿🇦

[@mugumearnold6523]

The Grammy is so complicated , it plays dirty, some good artists don't have even one but the Grammy doesn't own good music , as long an artist loves what he or she is doing , the Grammy is nothing , music cannot be determined by a Grammy , some artists are put down because they don't have a Grammy , artists should be left to fly without thinking about the Grammy ❤❤ let her fly high because we know she doesn't need a Grammy to be great❤❤❤❤

[@user-re5ti4my8c]

Hello there, I fully concur with you, but I stand to be corrected her first silo album, did win Kora Award, that is equivalent to Grammy. I never get tired of listening to her music.❤❤

[@yedwanagumede5650]

Speak​@@mugumearnold6523

[@hairylarry1097]

ftsek!

[@kaione]

We can take the one from Tyla and give it to her.... no comments pliz we just passing the message

[@PIANOCARTEL]

South Africa is music, no one make it like us I don't care what anyone says.🤞🤞...you can take 5 random South Africans give them trash cans and broom sticks they would put together some of the best sounding music you will hear 🤞🤞

[@lungelotriss0525]

Her raw vocals capture the struggle and tell a story of the past and present. Such a talent 🇿🇦

[@ntandokazimbana]

Now all we need is a Ringo Madlingozi Tiny Desk Concert and my life will be complete 🤞🏾

[@busisiwenkosi4987]

For real

[@RAWMOTION9]

Yesss!!

[@iamlethibe]

And Mandisi Dyantyis

[@akosuakoranteng3327]

❤

[@luvojobela4662]

Say that ma'am!!!!

[@jarredabrahams]

Being South African is a flex 🇿🇦

[@nbua8433]

Well Said! SHATE! SHATE! SHATE!

[@godsson1892]

A big one at that

[@jongikhayabam2505]

Lol 😆 True

[@nosiphosapepa3507]

😂say it again

[@charneking]

Literally! 😮‍💨

[@uthimnanape994]

LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT AFRICANS AND DRUMS!!! I was hypnotized for a minute there😮.

[@vovobani7754]

Meaning of the songs. for English speakers 1.Nizalwa Ngobani? (who gave birth to you?) have you forgotten that you are born of warriors? 2.Ingoma (The Song) its a love song, praising her lover that is like that good song that plays through the night, and she doesn't care what anyone says. 3.Children of the soil. self explanatory 4.Abenguni. ( Abenguni is subgroup of Bantu including me) the song speaks of not being alone but being a part of the whole Abenguni. i love it 5.Lahl'umlenze (throw the leg 🤪/ means Dance) its a celebration song about black pride. Ningandi jaji i tried lol.

[@TheKanz123]

Thank you for sharing. Love the music even more with the meaning.

[@lekis5975]

Camagu!!!

[@OmegaBlitzkrieg]

NPR, thank you. Thandiswa Mazwai has gained a new fan from the United States.

[@oscarncube4535]

Been doing this for over 20yrs now she is indeed a living legendd

[@thecaramelmadrina5649]

WORD.....GOT 2

[@Nkateko-xf6cf]

oh, i wish to be you and discover her for the first time again

[@oliviamanamela2224]

She's our living legend in South Africa

[@michelleadeola8753]

Same!

[@ashleyhawkes7862]

American girl here! No clue what shes saying, however nothing but chills running throughout my body!!! Much love & respect to Africa!!!

[@someonesson5928]

turn on captions if you haven't yet and rewatch it

[@someonesson5928]

they are translated in English

[@jongilanga1]

trust me some south africans don’t understand either, but the sheer beauty of the music takes one THERE.

[@ashleyhawkes7862]

@@someonesson5928 thanks for the tip!

[@mugumearnold6523]

I think she is a Zulu , or a swana don't. Know

[@starlight7739]

I swear this lady every time she sings its a spiritual celebration, uvusa abaphansi.goose bumps moments and it was too short.

[@amandamahlangu6374]

metro FM must honor her with a lifetime achievement award.

[@sabastian_e_wilson]

Brown skin baby Checking in from the US, I don't know who my ancestors are but I know where my heart lives. I love you, all people's, languages, spiritualities, colors and nations of Mother Africa. ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼 UNIFY

[@kmba3819]

We love you sister 🫶🏾

[@PabiMontwedi]

Sending love to you from South Africa ❤

[@purplecaterpillarmassage]

I share these sentiments!

[@mztshabz]

Camanguu 🙏

[@luyandamathiso930]

Your new name is Athandwe(beloved) Africa is your home any time. 🇿🇦

[@thabomboweni8285]

20 years later, Zabalaza is still one of the best albums produced in SA.

[@siphamakuluma2434]

Highly agree!!!

[@faithtaylor9715]

Agreed 1000 percent!

[@2004shazz]

💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@SpotonwithTP-qz6wq]

Wished she finished with the title song but nonetheless it was a good performance.

[@Magic_Kayyy]

No skip

[@mathewswandera7597]

Africa represented to the fullest!!!....mob love from 🇰🇪

[@izakberg4577]

I’m so happy the world finally gets to experience this legend 😍

[@nkulehbiyase7359]

To the person who chose Thandiswa we can’t thank you enough 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@LoveNxumalo]

This woman is 48 years old and still looking this gorgeous!!!!!!!!

[@dineoaglenta1093]

SHE. IS. GORGEOUS!

[@sibulelesapepa9534]

And sounding even more amazing than she looks. She's evergreen😍

[@FitnessGorillaa]

Overweight though

[@thembsimtumtum1707]

She's looking very gorgeous but hay ikhulile intombi endala guess it's because haven't watched her in a long while but also hearing her age I understand

[@seneopadisho7863]

@@FitnessGorillaaplump 🥹

[@0xredpill]

Children of the soil , Im one of them 🌱🟤🟫💦💚🌊˚˖𓍢ִִ⁠໋🌊🦈˚˖𓍢ִ⁠✧˚.🌞

[@mpho242]

OMG I am sooo proud and glad that the world is finally waking up to see the beauty and talent bred in South Africa🥹 I wanna cry😭

[@nkanyezimiya6456]

What an experience! 🥹🇿🇦 Proudly South African Button ↙️

[@senamilesishi6129]

She’s not just a singer, she is a healer 🤍

[@ndumisombambo6865]

Absolutely

[@marymogashoa1258]

Totally Agree!A Healing Legend indeed!!!!!❤Indigenous Knowledge Systems Viva!!!!AFRICA VIVA🎉

[@Nxsta125]

100%!!!❤❤❤

[@unathinjalomadonselai3769]

Glad King Tha is getting the recognition she deserves its been a long time coming. One of our GOATs

[@sihlecele6461]

Thank you Thandiswa for raising the flag high🇿🇦 we love you as South Africans_ Durban is my city

[@melissasmith5059]

Why am I crying , it’s 7:34am South African time. I’m stuck in traffic going to work and this just made me appreciate my life more. We are all blessed in different ways , God makes no mistakes. Glory be to God and Long life to our ancestors. Never ever forget where we come from.

[@TaboMhambi]

CAMAGU 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@izzy_hatake]

Can we talk about lobola mel 😍😂

[@Roseygold]

❤

[@phamphiletsoalo6101]

Most definitely 🔥

[@katleho366gmail]

May the Lord bless you and keep you all your life Melissa! Keep Beholding Him and keep sharing His goodness to the world. Love from the Free state Bloemfontein 🇿🇦🕊️

[@tkx86]

To the individual who is reading this please quit overthinking everything every day and night . Stop obsessing over your failures. Stop doubting yourself and seeing the greatness in everyone else but you. You are better than that. You deserve more. Start showing up differently to yourself. Believe in yourself. God wont ever hand you something you cant handle. You are a star in this world . may God Bless whoever sees this

[@karabodikobe]

😔

[@iviwemhluzi5615]

Thank you for this beautiful message 💖

[@MlungisiDlamini-vr5ct]

I needed this thank you for being a wonderful person

[@chocolatesuperman777]

Amen❤

[@simanyendamase271]

Thank you ,needed to hear this

[@mahlodiqm298]

That ululation after Ingoma hit my core❤❤❤

[@dostovan5142]

Even Tanzania🇹🇿 is proud of the African woman

[@akimbah]

Am from Sierra Leone I love South African music stand up Africa

[@dj.conkey802]

With love from South Africa 🇿🇦 all the way to Sierra Leone🇸🇱 ❤❤❤❤

[@lakerlife9817]

Afric....is amazing....the continent is where God's visit and dwell...

[@drtalkboxsa9412]

I see Xoli Thabethe on Keys and bv, Lulu on drums, Sonnyboy Mthimunye on guitars. Proud of South African cats

[@d_triqxonthefixx]

The Zimbabwean bass player is too smooth too give him his creds

[@Mulalo-ug2zw]

I think the dude on bass guitar is Zimbabwean, according to his name

[@tumisanggololo5671]

Yall shouldn’t forget Shoxx on bass!!!!!!!!!❤

[@drtalkboxsa9412]

Oh yes , Shoxx

[@MasekoConverse]

This band was on fire

[@langaroyalqueen]

Instrument! 🙌🏾 ngathi they’re in Studio. Sis Thandiswa, we are blessed to have you as one of ours!

[@user-jg8zp1xw6x]

Lifikile ithuba lokuzi veza ndingubani na…… ndizibike inkaba yam, ndibange umlilo ka Tatam, amanzi ka mamam ❤️ I’m falling from the stars into my mothers belly …..spiritually 😭😭😭😭😭 powerful . Enkosi Thandiswa for giving texture to my innermost feelings on Children of the soil and Kulungile

[@carlos_sniper]

As a Xhosa South African watching my language being represented to the fullest makes me so emotional, thank you mama Mazwai.🖤 CC

[@xoliswanxam5489]

singazilibali mntase

[@carlos_sniper]

@@xoliswanxam5489 jonga, indenza ndi believe kwamna ba vele sithi amabhoza🤣 makwande man

[@rethabilemogane]

​

[@tumiintholeng7112]

Leaving a comment so whenever someone likes the video I can come watch it again❤

[@neemcreates]

❤️‍🔥

[@bahleybhengu]

Iza

[@TD-ut9gj]

❤

[@ThulaniLungani-yn7wz]

😂😂 That's my thing.... I always do this

[@Inprogress_of_newbeginings]

Oh wow, bless your comment. You have mine.

[@tironong8291]

I love how the drummer is in his element .

[@BeeYou0000]

"Ndinebhongo, ndiyaziqhenya ngawe mzontsundu" 🔥🔥🔥 KingTha 👑👑👑

[@klautblvdtv]

If you're south african, like this to mark the register❤

[@silkkvegas7167]

Zimbabwe approved.. we love u we never forget those Bongo Muffin days 🇿🇼

[@rudzanimukwevho1837]

Fire 🔥 days 😮😅

[@timditse2961]

was looking for such a comment.

[@thabangmaledi2975]

Those were the days...

[@millicentpope1006]

Right missed her voice glad she is still singing !

[@chwayitatafeni2964]

And we love you too❤️😍

[@Stacetheface]

Have they given Thandiswa her flowers yet? 😭😭❤️❤️ She literally speaks to my soul. I absolutely love her 🥺

[@itumelengzama3296]

Music is such a universal language,you don't even need to understand what she's saying... MUSIC IS A FEELING. Got to love Thandiswa🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@sibushimotshwanedi7821]

Are we not gonna say anything about the percussionist?🔥🔥🔥

[@mosesmatsea136]

Listen!!!!!!

[@KagisoKhumalo-kt2bv]

Best rythmns and fill ins❤❤

[@rodox_sk8]

Anything about the percussionist

[@sinawohondwana8694]

@@rodox_sk8 Lol been looking for this comment

[@dj.conkey802]

He's fire!!🔥🔥 🔥

[@AFRICDIAS-ls5ss]

Mosotho based in Washington checking IN as I should.

[@sediranks1617]

Ao ngwaneso, ke thabela ho utlwa hore honale Basotho di bakeng tse kgolo jwalo hle 🥹❤️

[@abster4709]

Yo,the band!!!! I dont even have words to describe this amazing artistry 🔥🔥 and of course the legend, the icon, the amazing Thandiswa👏👏👏🐐

[@celiajoseamossecja8938]

Mozambicans we love you, we love South Africa…

[@senzomemela1311]

SA and Mozambique are one ❤

[@DutPoet]

Thandiswa gained a new fan from Germany! Thanks NPR.

[@sofiarajab1814]

The KZbin algorithm never disappoints!!!! We love this woman in Kenya 🇰🇪 From South Africa 🇿🇦 to the world 🌎 Bless you Thandiswa!!!!!! Forever talented ❤🎉

[@rizikimumba2150]

A legend indeed. I'm so happy listening to her right now. Ingoma has a special place in my heart. 🔥🔥🔥 Loads of love from 🇰🇪

[@umaruZW]

These days anyone can sing, but not everyone gives us goosebumps like you Thandi...🥰😍

[@nelsonoliphant3778]

Turn on captions/subtitles it's poetry indeed

[@llsss777]

I’m not even South African I’m Nigerian and I was so happy to see this wow🥹❤️❤️

[@omphemetsechake2839]

We are ONE...love from SA❤😊

[@amandlaxoki]

We have Naija in South Africa✌💯❤🤣😂

[@gopolanglefenyo2077]

one soul🙏🏿

[@thebemphahlele4773]

❤❤❤❤

[@mahonycaleni6159]

Your Sister, why wouldn't you be!?

[@sphumessanctum7050]

I have NEVER CLICKED ON A VIDEO SO QUICKLY!!! We love you Thandiswa!!! Thank you for continually putting us on the map with your impeccable quality 😭🥳🔥🙌🏾 🇿🇦!!!

[@khanyisileMasina]

Same Yho 😂😂😂 IMMEDIATELY YES

[@sizolwethumkhwanazi1377]

lol... well done you.

[@noziphokhumalo2963]

Came running 🏃 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️

[@rudzanimukwevho1837]

Lol 🤣😆🤣 u not alone

[@annekeburns380]

Wow we grew up listening to her but wow she's really shining here. And I'm loving these comments 🎉

[@DaLuxRk2023]

My teens she was my favorite and finding my young self immersed in her songs and being the only one who listened to her within my peers and going into trans without understanding what was going on. This woman invoked great pride in me as a black African girl and I held firm in my ethnicity in a world where people were trying to be anything but themselves. God bless you sis Thandiswa and great to see Sunny boy still playing with you. RIP Sisa Sopazi miss you too.

[@streetkos1130]

Fellows SAns, lets get this historic moment to 1M views before the week ends❤🎉 I'm so proud of King Tha🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@moughmokgerehli]

Higher

[@boipelomoloele9087]

It's almost at 10 million it's only been 2 days

[@shaunmaduna3523]

When we count the best musically gifted artists from SA ...we count Thandiswa twice

[@mputledikobe2497]

I totally agree 🎉❤

[@siphesihlebuthelezi9184]

Simphiwe Dana

[@siphelelekomani627]

well, absolutely. 🤔

[@Blinky_Blinks139]

And mention her first

[@innocentmaphanga8354]

She now elevated from daughter of Africa to Mother of the world.

[@lakerlife9817]

Mami Wata...

[@ThePositiveTarot]

Thandiswa Mazwai's skin is so beautiful.

[@Creativetouchshegss]

The legendary Thandiswa much love mama from Naija 🇳🇬 to Southy 🇿🇦

[@YoungMetrotimes]

She performed Ingoma, I'm crying 😭😭🥹

[@siyabongamasango4590]

Im a 25 year old man and i am here crying by myself. I'm in a spiritual plane i never knew existed

[@thabaninjokwe3439]

UMlenzi is my jam 😭😭

[@YoungMetrotimes]

@@siyabongamasango4590 it's too beautiful, man, we really need something like this. I can't wait for her new album.

[@YoungMetrotimes]

@@thabaninjokwe3439 That's a very nice song, man🙌🏿.

[@ntobekomtimkulu239]

Really enjoyed this live rendition of it, despite the song not being a personal favourite. Did anyone notice how the guitarist gave it a bit of a Reggae riff?

[@BongzD-zo1dd]

Thandiswa is very good at drawing those African sentiments that make us Africans go tsiii!!!

[@MsNandi001]

Being South African is everything, I love Thandiswa for staying so true to our roots

[@buhledasheka1418]

When she sings she's seem like she's not even trying. THIS IS PURE TALENT❤😭

[@ingridpuseletso]

Facts 🫶🏽❤️🙌🏾Pure Talent

[@rethabilenxumalo9742]

True❤

[@neomobango584]

Hao ngathola wena la Buhle

[@boitumeloshezi_sa]

My problem is the 19 minutes session. 😢. This is the best thing I've ever seen for 2024

[@zamokwakhesishi6528]

this came and went so quickly angeke bandla @tinydesk owes us at least 3parts

[@autumnstoptwo]

truly

[@jaydasg53]

The pain that lands in my heart when this vid ends😤 this woman got an insane catalogue 🔥🤞🏾

[@kholisaable]

A very big beautiful problem

[@boitumeloshezi_sa]

@@jaydasg53 We'll await the new project

[@renemarais8887]

🌍I am from South Africa, and this TinyDesk performance is on repeat!! Thank you sis Thandiswa❤ 🇿🇦

[@welter_3]

I'm a African American from South Africa 😂 One Love💕

[@ShenitaMoore]

I’ve never heard of this beautiful queen! Thanks to NPR for the introduction! ❤️

[@AnnAdeva1]

I AM SCREAMING 😭😭😭😭 I love her so much. I thank my parents for raising me with her music. Love from a Namibian 🇳🇦 watching in Germany 🇩🇪🤎🤎🤎

[@mugumearnold6523]

Hope you are proud to be black and African to embrace your roots , ❤❤❤❤ Africa is blessed , with all things , Europeans admire our endurance , Africa , God loves you❤❤

[@thabangmaledi2975]

Your parents have impeccable taste in music.

[@nomvulapriscilla4271]

Thandiswa, Msaki and Buhlebendalo I am waiting for a collaboration PLEASE

[@kellellom7720]

Yes girl!!! Fellow South African marking attendance ✊

[@tellitubbie8]

Who else cried? Whew! 🥹 Sis’ Thandiswa, we are SO SO proud of you. This was spiritual as always ❤️🇿🇦

[@datechniqdude5493]

Crying right now like literally

[@thebluebeyond2329]

😂😂I’m crying inside.

[@dj.conkey802]

Yeah! That performance definitely evoked a crazy amount of emotions 😢😅

[@Dumizulu_Rain]

​@@thebluebeyond2329aowa bathong 😂😂

[@paulinemagoxo486]

I cried and cried 😢😢😢😢

[@nnzenirasibendele5988]

South Africans let’s sign in here👇

[@lindilelubabalozulu8476]

Thandiswa sings about African unity and wena you still like "Rise South Africa" , she's our African pride. She says exactly what CIC says but you don't want to listen mxm

[@yandie_z]

She looks like she is having such a great time! Stellar performance from our legend 🙌🏾🇿🇦

[@hyginusobiasogu5230]

I'm Nigerian, just hearing this amazing South African group for the first time and I really can't get enough of the great songs with so much African original flavours. Incredible Thandiswa!!! Incredible indeed!!! She reminds me of Mama Africa - Miriam Makeba, Yvonne Chaka Chaka etc. Thank you SA for giving us these great women. Africa is so blessed. Much love from Nigeria 🇳🇬. One Africa, one love❤👍💯

[@Thato_]

She is a solo artist now. Watch her younger days with her group 'Bongo Baffin'.One love.

[@hyginusobiasogu5230]

@@Thato_ Thanks Thato, indeed since after seeing this video, I've been exploring her many other performances. She's just amazing!

[@Thato_]

@hyginusobiasogu5230 Welcome. She is! Oh that's great enjoy!

[@thandohbooboonzama6135]

You should attend one of South African Jazz festivals you will be amazed by Talent South Africa and Africa has

[@MacMelo]

Solo

[@maryx5070]

Black people across the diaspora make luxurious music !

[@terridennis9185]

That's the truth

[@Nhlanhla_msiza]

Yeah but this woman is from the mother land, she's a South african

[@boipelomoloele9087]

Except this specific artist is NOT from the diaspora, King Tha is a Xhosa woman from South Africa

[@boipelomoloele9087]

@simphiwinkosindaba1036 yes I know exactly what the diaspora is, mme Thandiswa is a South African woman o dulang mo South Africa unless she has moved abroad in recent years and I am unaware.

[@hlengiwegulube3185]

Always and forever King.

[@kumosunfilteredconvospodca9615]

I'm Zambian and watching this on a Solae Eclipse is so powerful!I don't understand what's being said but I feel the energy of our ancestors! Also, her hair with the cowrie shells is so beautiful! I also noticed the Palestinian earring on the drummer! The South African and Palestinian solidarity going so HARD! Love to see it👏

[@MalaikaMazwai]

im fangirling so hard!!! oh Mamiya!!! ungazilibali ba uzalwa ngubani bc you are out of this world. tiny desk will never see such talent again. KULUNGILE (1st single) OUT 12 APRIL, SANKOFA COMING SOON

[@thandolwethu]

Beautiful daughter message Laika 🤍

[@edwinramokolo]

your mama is dope love

[@mzukisingoloti5423]

Yeah, as i asked her 😊 she started with that... Most Def, it's an hour for them...🙌

[@LincolnZA]

Thanks Dear, Your mom is amazing

[@shibamelissamazaza3909]

And what a great name for the album too 🇿🇦 🇬🇭 we really are one!

[@theodoreharlan1428]

0:00 Nizalwa Ngobani? 3:41 Ingoma 7:00 Children of the Soil 10:49 Abenguni 16:05 Lahl’umlenze

[@relaxwithme1598]

Never heard Children of the Soil before. is it a new song?

[@kagisopoo7484]

Yet to be released.

[@jabulanitheron9268]

​@@relaxwithme1598 I thought she was freestyling because I also don't know it

[@chwayitatafeni2964]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@zinhlendlovu1156]

Zabalaza was and still is one of the greatest albums from SA

[@mornevanwyk9929]

Yes South African 🇿🇦

[@innsgarvey9024]

Im from States,i remember her vividly when she was in my home town New Orleans essence Jazz festival.She got powerful soothing voice.