User:Mtetezi

Ntsiki Mazwai

Ntsiki Mazwai (3 September 1980) is a South African poet and recording artist. Known to her fans by her clan name MaMiya, she is sometimes describe as the StreetQueen. She was thrust into the music mainstream when her song uRongo a soulful mix of poetry and house music became her best selling house song in 2005. Her, self titled, spoken word album received a nomination for a South African Music Award for Best Urban Pop Album in 2008. She has released her third album The Masterpiece in 2018. Her social activism has lead to national debates about social issues affecting women in South Africa. Her boldness has led her to becoming the voice of the voiceless.

Biography
Nontsikelelo Mazwai was born in Soweto on 3 September 1980. The daughter of two writers who were leaders in the Pan Africanist Congress, Belede Mazwai and Dr Thami Mazwai. She studied Marketing Management at IMM Graduate School (2008) and then later on obtained her Masters in Arts in creative writing with distinction from Rhodes University (2017) Her work has always been inspired by her mother, who had an impact on her being black conscious and her musical influences have been Lebo Mathosa, Brenda Fassie, Lauryn Hill, Busi Mhlongo and Lizz Wright. Mainstream entrance was via a compilation feature on Dj Glen Lewis album called Sisters in Songs released in 2004 with a song called Light up Life then followed by the successful release of uRongo on DJ Fresh’s Definition of House vol. 3 (2005), it went on to become the country’s biggest selling song of 2005. Having broken through in house music, Ntsiki explored different genres and sounds and her debut-album ‘Mamiya’ (SAMA-nominated for best Urban Pop album in 2007), containing jazz, hip hop and soul, a definite token of her musical diversity. Her second album Ndingubani (2013). Her latest release The Masterpiece(2018), the production of it was done in Soweto. The whole entire album is about black empowerment. . With this project she working on reviving the live bands events in the townships. Her works explores the themes of femininity, black consciousness, racism, family dynamics and spirituality. She has an enviable stage presence, which has made her a popular favourite.

Poetry
In 2003, Ntsiki alongside Lebo Mashile, Myesha Jenkins and Napo Masheane, created the Feelah Sista poetry collective which gave a platform to women’s voices to be heard. As a poet, Ntsiki has performed worldwide at various spoken word festivals in Italy, Jamaica, Tanzania, Belgium, the US, Holland and the Zimbabwe and was part of the cast of the Vagina Monologues. Her poetry anthology ‘Wena’ was published in 2010 it is currently in its second print and has been introduced into the school system.

Beadwork
She started with her beadwork in 2001. Her beadwork range is called the House of Mobu. Mobu is a Sesotho term for soil. Being an artist who has always been grounded and soulful, Ntsiki chose this name because it reflects a space where she can grow seeds and nurture her soul. It was launched in 2002 at the Hala cafe. Mobu has dressed African beauties such as the Mazwai girls, India Arie, Unathi, Claire Mawisa and the late mam Busi Mhlongo. . Guided by the vision to see more African people celebrating their culture, she seeks to further popularise traditional wear and celebrate African beauty with Mobu

Impact and influence
Ntsiki Mazwai is outspoken regarding the importance of education. She is a READ SA Ambassador and she has talks with girls to empower them. She has hosted regular poetry and music sessions such as Monday Blues, Sheila’s Day and Streetpop, has established and produced the monthly Mama Said. With the help from Building warehouse she has began a project to build libraries and schools in Soweto.

Discography

 * The Masterpiece (2018)
 * Ndingubani (2013)
 * Ma Miya (2007)