At the end of March, South African musician Zawadi YaMungu received the Musician of the Year Award at the Ladies In Media Award Ceremony hosted in Wesley Towers, Ghana. The Ladies in Media Awards (LIMAs) are hosted by the Ladies in Media Organisation whose main focus is to use their platform to empower and celebrate women in media all across the African continent, this includes aspiring young personalities.  

Zawadi YaMungu, whose real name is Nkosingiphile Mpanza, hails from Mandeni, North of KwaZulu-Natal, and has been wowing audiences for over ten years with her soulful rendition of indigenous music. Zawadi, mentored by the legendary Mbuso Khoza, has worked with legendary South African artists such as Dr Gcina Mhlophe, Themba Mkhize, Nduduzo Makhathini and Madala Kunene. With her distinct and authentically South African sound - Zawadi has performed in various parts of South Africa and abroad, representing her cultural richness. Recently, Zawadi fans would have also seen her cameo in one of the most viewed South African TV shows, Uzalo.  

Being an amazing vocalist is the not only thing Zawadi is good at. She also plays various indigenous musical instruments such as Umakhweyane, Ugubhu string bow and the Penny Whistle.

“I am also interested in playing other instruments. I want to collect these African instruments that are not popular anymore, that were used years ago. I want to use them all, and preserve them for future generations,” said YaMungu.

Zawadi goes on to explain that she is inspired by the likes of Princess Magogo, Busi Mhlongo and Miriam Makeba. Which you can hear by listing to her music.

When the Ladies in Media Awards (LIMAs) reached out to Zawadi in December 2023 to tell her about the nomination, she admits she was sceptical at first, however she changed mind when she saw a well-known radio personality talking about it on social media.

“Winning this award is everything for me, actually it is a start. It means the beginning of something great. And because it is an international award I know it means more recognition, more performances and more respect of my work,” said YaMungu.  

The award is not her only highlight this year. Fans can look forward to the release of Zawadi’s latest single titled Ngimuhle set for release this May 2024. She is also currently working on an album with Mondli Ngcobo.

Written by Tsakane Mhlongo.