On December 17, South African artist Zawadi YaMungu captivated audiences at Cape Town's Homecoming Centre with songs from her debut album Ngimuhle. Joined by fellow musicians, the performance blended poetry, traditional elements, and themes of history and dispossession. The evening highlighted cultural expression and emotional depth.
Zawadi YaMungu, born Nkosingiphile Mpanza in eMandeni, KwaZulu-Natal, brought her KiSwahili stage name—meaning 'gift from God'—to life on December 17 at the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town. The event launched her 2023 debut album Ngimuhle, featuring a six-piece band, two backing vocalists, and special guests.
Comedian Lerato Sokhulu hosted the night, which opened with hip-hop artist K2 The Rapson from Pretoria, backed by keyboardist Sibusiso 'Terry D' Dube and guitarist Sean Sebola. YaMungu then appeared in a flowing orange Xhosa-inspired dress and Zulu isicholo hat, drawing immediate admiration from the crowd in isiZulu, isiXhosa, and English.
The performance began with Isibikezelo, a poetic introduction recited by collaborator Lulwandle Sindiswa Zulu, recounting a girl gifted with song over 1,000 years ago. YaMungu accompanied with chants, transporting the audience into the narrative. This led into another poem with Mayibuye refrains, evoking South Africa's history of black dispossession—from land theft to mine labor under gunpoint. Zulu's lines, such as 'Musani ukwenza shengathi kanaziKwadliwa izinkomo zamadoda,' urged reflection on colonial violence and ongoing struggles.
Emotion peaked as a woman shouted, 'Usenzani, sisi wethu?' The mood shifted with the lullaby Woza We Mvula, enhanced by trumpeter Mandla Sikhakhane, followed by reworkings of Busi Mhlongo's Khula Tshitshi and Uganga Nge Ngane, and Andonja, playfully noting its dual meanings in KiSwahili and isiZulu/isiXhosa.
Zulu folk musician Jabulile Majola, with keyboardist Ross Dorkin, then performed Bamba Isandla Sam' and uJakalasi, addressing 1980s-1990s political violence in KwaZulu-Natal and economic hardship. After an interval, YaMungu returned in Zulu attire for Ngithethele, a reimagining of Oliver Mtukudzi's Neria, and Xoxo.
The ensemble, led by Ntsika Ngxanga, closed with Joy, Buhlanti—featuring Theo Matshoba and Luphindo Ngxanga's vocal rhythms—and Miriam Makeba's Malaika. YaMungu's influences include Princess Magogo's hymns and Badelisile Mthethwa's umakhoyane, alongside collaborations with Dr Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza since joining the Afrikan Heritage Ensemble in 2016. The night celebrated heritage, sorrow, and communal love.
