A new chapter for women in Maskandi. South African music is set for a powerful celebration of culture and female unity as powerhouse vocalists Mawhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu officially join forces for a new Maskandi album, with the pair embracing a new identity as the “Zulu Queens”.
The announcement was made at an exclusive industry launch in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening, 18 August, where the two artists unveiled a project they say is rooted in sisterhood, heritage and the future of Zulu music.
The full-length album is scheduled for release on 28 August and brings together an impressive line-up of Maskandi talent, including Feza, legendary female duo Izingane Zoma, Mthandeni and musician Siya Ntuli.
For Mawhoo and Lwah, the project is about more than creating music. It is also an opportunity to challenge the perception of Maskandi as a traditionally male-dominated genre and demonstrate the role women can play in shaping its future.
The album’s release comes at a significant time, falling during Women’s Month and leading into Heritage Month.
Celebrating women and Zulu culture
The Johannesburg launch was centred on female solidarity and cultural pride, with MC Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzolo, daughter of legendary musician “Ihashi Elimhlophe”, welcoming the artists and guests to the stage.
The evening also featured an exclusive screening of a documentary chronicling the making of the Zulu Queens project, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the artists’ journey and the development of the album.
Producers and executives involved in the project, led by Leroy Khoza, also took to the stage to unpack the concept behind the collaboration and explain how Mawhoo and Lwah’s individual musical styles were brought together to create a cohesive Maskandi project.
‘This is more than an album’
Mawhoo said the collaboration represents the beginning of something much bigger.
“This is more than an album; it is a movement,” she said.
“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 echoed the sentiment, describing the project as a celebration of unity, culture and women in music.
“Standing on that stage with Mawhoo and our sisters, surrounded by so much talent, I felt the power of unity,” she said.
“This project is for the culture, for the queens, and for everyone who believes in the beauty of our music. ‘Distance’ is just a taste of the fire we have coming.”
‘Distance’ leads the way
The duo also announced their new single, Distance, featuring Feza.
The song is set for release on Wednesday, 19 August, marking the first taste of what fans can expect from the upcoming album.
Beyond the album, Mawhoo and Lwah have confirmed that plans are also under way for a nationwide tour later this year, with dates expected to be announced in due course.
The collaboration positions the two artists at the centre of a new conversation around women, tradition and the evolution of Maskandi, while bringing established and emerging voices together under the Zulu Queens banner.
