Thandiswa Mazwai celebrates her 50th birthday and 30 years in music at the Sankofa Heritage Festival

Fans of South African music are set for a major celebration as Thandiswa Mazwai launches the Sankofa Heritage Festival, marking her 50th birthday and 30 years in the industry. 

The event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Carnival City in Johannesburg.

The festival is supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture through its Mzansi Golden Economy Initiative. 

Mazwai, a multi-award-winning artist whose career has shaped the sound of post-apartheid South Africa, will headline the evening. 

Known for her genre-blending style, she rose to fame with Bongo Maffin before pursuing a successful solo career that continues to influence African music. 

Her latest album, “Sankofa”, is nominated for five South African Music Awards (Samas). 

The name Sankofa, drawn from the Ghanaian Twi word meaning “to go back and fetch what has been left behind,” reflects Mazwai’s ongoing exploration of identity and heritage.  

She will share the stage with a line-up of artists representing different African sounds and generations, to be announced soon. 

Reflecting on her journey, Mazwai said, “It’s almost unbelievable that I am now turning 50 and have spent more than half my life in the world of music."

"My first radio hit was 30 years ago with a group called Jacknife, and I am honoured to still be one of the top nominated artists at the Samas for my album Sankofa. I have been truly blessed.”

She added, “There is a need for more artist-curated festivals that centre music, freedom and community. I am excited to add my own voice to that intention."

"I am creating this festival to give space to upcoming artists and to celebrate our cultures and collective humanity.”