Mawhoo is a young, vibrant and talented South African musician, performer, model and songwriter.
Her music videos also showcase her culture and tradition through her outfits and style. She has collaborated with local artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Heavy K and Master KG.
Her first single, “Umshado” (which means “wedding” or “marriage” in Zulu), was a huge success, garnering nearly a million views on YouTube.
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- Full name: Thandeka Ngema
- Other names: Mawhoo
- Date of Birth: December 16, 1994
- Age: 29
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Musician, actor, model, songwriter
- Height: 1.6 m
- Parents: None
- Brothers and sisters: None
- Spouse: No
- Children: None
- Relationship status: None
- Net worth: $1 million
Early life and education
Mawhoo, 29, was born on December 16, 1994, in Eshowe, a town in the Zululand district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, as Thandeka Ngema.
She grew up in a musical family and started singing at a young age.
At 11, she recorded a song and took it to a local radio station in hopes of gaining some exposure and recognition.
However, they refused to advertise for her because they felt she was too young. She described the experience as heartbreaking and painful.
She did not give up her love for music and continued to pursue her dream. She was also interested in modeling and acting, and participated in various activities and performances.
She pursued a degree at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she balanced academic and artistic pursuits.
Personal life
Mawhoo is very private about her personal life and has not revealed much about her relationship or family.
She has not confirmed whether she is dating or single. She has also not revealed whether she has any children or siblings.
She prefers to keep her fans and followers updated about her music and career rather than her personal affairs.
Profession
Mawhoo’s career started to take off in 2018 when she was approached by Mabala Noise, a top South African music company. She convinced them to invest in her and signed a contract with them.
She then connected with one of Africa’s most talented and renowned music producers, Heavy K. He helped her produce her debut single, “Umshado”, which was released in 2019¹.
Umshado means “wedding” or “marriage” in Zulu, and the song tells the story of a girl who is ready to settle down after a dating relationship. She asks her partner to give her a ring and formalize their relationship.
The song was a huge success, receiving positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The music video, set in a cowshed where cattle are exchanged for currency, showcases Mawhoo’s cultural and aesthetic appeal. As of 2023, the video has been viewed over 900,000 times on YouTube.
Mawhoo’s popularity and talent attracted the attention of other prominent artists in the South African music industry, especially those in the Amapa genre.
She has collaborated with DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Vigro Deep and Master KG on the following songs: Bader, Yilwa Ntombo and Ngwanaka.
She also featured on DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small’s groundbreaking album Once Upon a Time in Lockdown, released during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
Mawhoo is also a well-known performer, model, and actress. She has appeared in music videos, cameo roles, and fashion shows for various brands and campaigns.
She has worked with companies such as Tribe Afrique, House of Supreme and Convoy Clothing SA. She has also performed at festivals and concerts such as the Durban July Festival, Sun Met Festival and Cape Town Jazz Festival.
Mawhoo is a talented and successful artist, as well as a passionate and outspoken advocate for social issues, especially gender-based violence.
She uses her platform and voice to raise awareness and speak out against the high rates of murder and abuse of women in South Africa. She supports and empowers other women in the music industry and beyond.
Mawhoo is one of South Africa’s most promising and influential female artists. She has proven her versatility and creativity musically and stylistically.
She has also demonstrated her dedication and commitment to her culture and values. She is a role model and inspiration to many young aspiring musicians, especially girls and women.
net worth
Mawhoo’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
She has earned her wealth through music sales, streaming, acting, endorsements, and modeling contracts.
Social Media
- Instagram account: @mawhooofficial
- Twitter: @mawhooofficial
Discography
- Umm Shado
- Bard
- Yilwa Ntombo
- Ngwanaka
- It’s Good to Be Alive (album)
