South African singer and songwriter MaWhoo has stepped into her power as she’s been crowned Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July 2025.  She joins a growing list of African women who are shaping the sound of now.

MaWhoo earned widespread acclaim for her soulful, spiritual sound that blends amapiano rhythms with deeply rooted Zulu influences. Her emotive vocal style and powerful storytelling have made her a standout voice in South Africa’s music scene, with collaborations alongside leading artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and Sam Deep.

The EQUAL Africa initiative is part of Spotify’s broader commitment to spotlighting woman creators and driving equity in the music industry by providing tools and resources to promote gender parity

“When you’re selected for something like this, it means your name is being mentioned in rooms even when you’re not there,” MaWhoo said. “It speaks to the growth of my career from being overlooked to now being recognised on such a powerful platform. I’m grateful and deeply honoured.”

Raised in KwaZulu-Natal, MaWhoo born Thandeka Ngema discovered her passion for music early in life. But it was the release of her first professional single “Umshado” in 2018 that confirmed her path. Despite facing creative suppression in the early days of her career, she refused to give up, instead choosing to follow her calling with purpose and determination

We sat down with MaWhoo to learn more about her and her music:

What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?

People didn’t know I can cook really well until I started posting food content on my socials. I can also braid and plait hair. I know how to do different hairstyles. I used to do it a lot when I was younger and when I was in high school, people even used to pay me. Another thing is that I can design clothes from scratch. I’m a designer and I used to own a boutique store.

When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?

In 2018 when I released my first professional song “Umshado”, the positive feedback from people and the reception to the track made me realise that I can do this thing. But I’ve always been passionate about music from a young age.

There was a time when people used to make me do music and a sound that didn’t resonate with me; I couldn’t be creative fully and be expressive so people used to assume I couldn’t sing or that I wasn’t talented. I was often bullied and that made me stressed, but instead of leaving music I carried on and didn’t give up. I used that to push myself.

I believe the gift for music is a calling. I pursued music so I can express myself. I wanted to motivate, encourage and heal people with my voice. When I see genuine and heartfelt reactions from people, like seeing someone crying tears because of me and the lyrics that I write, it keeps me going.

Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?

I used to love Umgqumeni when I was younger. Umgqumeni is a late Maskandi artist that shaped the genre and inspired a lot of the artists making music right now.

I also used to listen to Thobekile, she makes traditional gospel music and is very spiritual.

To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?

My voice is powerful, authentically African and bold. My writing is resonant. I would describe my sound as spiritual, emotive and versatile. I’m inspired by different African sounds and I’m not restricted to one genre or style of music.

Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?

When you first start anything, it always feels impossible. So, if you have a dream, keep pushing and working towards it. Also, follow your heart – your heart will tell you if something is meant for you. Don’t do it for your family or friends, do it for you. They always say you don’t work a day when you do something you love, so it’s important to chase your dreams.

How do you navigate the music space as a woman artist and how does your unique perspective shape your artistry?

By empowering myself. I’m not afraid to take charge. I’m my own boss. I make decisions that make me happy. I don’t do things to please other people. I always put myself and my happiness first. I don’t do anything that’s going to make me feel uncomfortable. When I feel like the space I’m in or around is not working for me, I walk away.

I come from a very humble and loving family that has taught me a lot of things. My mother taught me that she can guide and tell me what’s right or wrong but she won’t control or dictate what I do with my life because I go out into the world on my own. She taught me that actions have consequences, good or bad, so I have to make my own decisions. Those teachings have taught me to respect everyone and treat people equally.

A quote from you about your experience navigating the male-dominated world of music and what being a part of the EQUAL programme means to you

As a woman, even beyond the music industry, there are challenges that we face. We are subjected to being wanted and approached by men promising us love or looking for intimacy, even in professional settings. As women, learn to stand your ground and say no. Teach people to respect you and your decisions. Don’t do things because you want to please others and want to be favoured, don’t sell your soul.

I believe that when you are selected for anything it means you are doing something right. It makes me happy, it means my name comes up in rooms even when I’m not there. It means there are people who think and consider me for such opportunities. It also speaks to the growth of my career over the years. When I first started I was a nobody, no one believed in me, including my own family because they were of the traditional belief of going to school and maybe becoming a teacher. But I persisted and pushed. I’m grateful and thankful for being recognised for such an important programme.

Last night’s episode of Nigerian Idol Season 10 was everything: emotional, electrifying, and downright unforgettable. What started with four incredibly talented finalists quickly turned into a bittersweet night of cheers, tears, and game-changing performances, as Mikki and Lawrence took their final bows.

That leaves us with just two: Purp and Raymu. And with the grand finale just days away, the stakes have never been higher.

 The Night Unfolded in Three Explosive Segments:

1. Judges’ Choice:

The judges pulled out their best picks, and the contestants delivered.

• Purp opened with a graceful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All,” powerful, poised, and perfectly delivered.

• Lawrence bared his soul with Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man,” showing the emotional control we’ve come to love him for.

• Raymu set the stage ablaze with Usher’s “Burn,” smooth vocals, and undeniable stage presence.

• Mikki soared with “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban, pulling on every heartstring in the room.

But then came the night’s first heartbreak: Lawrence was eliminated. The crowd roared in support as he gave his heartfelt thanks and left the stage with grace.

Moments later, the next shocker hit: Mikki was also voted out. Just like that, the dream narrowed to two.

2. “This Is How It Should Be Done”

This round flipped the script: the finalists were asked to perform songs that other contestants butchered during the audition phase, the ones that left judges cringing. It was their moment to show exactly how it should’ve been done.

• Purp performed “Anyone” by Demi Lovato, a song that stumped many during auditions. But with her powerful vocals and emotional depth, she transformed it into a haunting, heartfelt performance. “This is for anyone who feels alone,” she said, her voice carrying strength and vulnerability.

• Raymu took on “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys, one of the most poorly delivered songs during the audition rounds. But Raymu’s smooth tone, honesty, and vocal control brought the soul back to the song. “Alicia Keys is who I aspire to be; I want to be a believable singer,” he shared before leaving the audience completely drawn in.

3. Viewers’ Choice:

Fans picked the songs, and the finalists brought the fire.

• Raymu delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith. Omawumi summed it up perfectly: “You shone through the night.”

• Purp followed with Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love,” wrapping the room in warmth and effortless elegance.

Before the night wrapped, Lawrence returned for one final performance of “Bruises” by Lewis Capaldi, a moving reminder of just how far he’d come. Mikki followed with “We Are the World,” a fitting close to his journey of unity, power, and voice.

From thousands of auditions to two unforgettable voices, it all comes down to Purp and Raymu. Who will win? Who will wear the crown? Who will become the next Nigerian Idol?

Vote now on the Africa Magic Website or via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Catch the Grand Finale live this Sunday at 7 PM on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151, GOtv Ch. 8), Africa Magic Family (DStv Ch. 154, GOtv Ch. 7), or stream live on GOtv & DStv Stream apps and also on Showmax. Stay plugged in because GOtv has got you covered from now until July 31st. Reconnect or renew your subscription and enjoy an automatic upgrade to a higher bouquet at no extra cost.

At a time when Africa’s people are navigating a series of cost-of-living shocks and commercial margins are under relentless pressure, organisations can achieve long-term business sustainability by focusing on the service they provide, and the value it can generate for their customers.

This may not be the time for record-setting revenues – particularly for businesses dependent on the discretionary spending of hard-hit consumers. However, it can be an exciting time for African enterprises to embrace the purpose that first inspired them, and to focus on living that purpose.

For pan-African entertainment group MultiChoice Africa, this is precisely such a time. The Group has a long history of creating relevant local content for the 50 continental markets in which it operates. Its financial position remains strong, with significant growth in business units such as Showmax (customers up 44% year-on-year), DStv internet (revenue up 85%) and its BetKings spots-betting operation (revenue up 76%), but there is an understanding that customers are under pressure, and their needs must come first.

Investing in content

That means investing in the product, producing content that will add value for Africans – creating the culturally relevant shows that allow you, as an African, to see yourself in the content you consume, but also as a financial investment in the growth of an industry.

That ongoing MultiChoice investment added more than 5 340 hours of locally produced films and shows over the past financial year, growing the Group’s local-content library to 91 470 hours. Flagship reality shows like Big Brother Mzansi and Big Brother Naija are in the vanguard of this content drive, attracting strong viewership, along with the Group’s ever-popular global sport offering.

SuperSport broadcast 47 839 hours of live coverage last year and produced 1 029 live events. Viewers stayed glued to world sports events like the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the EURO 2024 football.

Developing careers

The true impact of this local content lies not in the fact that it can compete with global shows in terms of quality and entertainment value, but that every second of it supports the careers of African creatives and production staff.

Whether it’s Kenyan actors, Nigerian presenters, a Tanzanian camera crew, Ethiopian directors and grips, or a Ugandan post-production team, local content creates thousands of jobs across Africa. It also ensures that MultiChoice can tell African stories that resonate directly with local audiences. That ability to “See Yourself” continues to distinguish the group’s offering from foreign streaming services.

To ensure a pipeline of talented staff to produce that local content, the group invests in MultiChoice Talent Factory academies across the region – one in Lusaka, another in Lagos, and a third in Nairobi – each producing dozens of qualified film graduates every year.

These young filmmakers are commissioned to produce movies for MultiChoice channels – Africa Magic, Zambezi Magic, Maisha Magic etc – in the course of their studies. This ensures that by the time they graduate from the year-long courses, they are equipped to produce entertaining content that is right up to MultiChoice standards.

Meeting customers where they are also means accommodating their financial needs. To enhance its value proposition, MultiChoice has also tiered down certain channels, reintroduced the second concurrent stream at no extra cost and priced down its DStv ADD Movies packages. It has also piloted weekly subscriptions in Uganda to better align subscription periods with customer cash flows.

Social engagement

The Group remained locally engaged through ongoing social investment. As the African media partner to The Earthshot Prize in 2024, MultiChoice showcased the work of social entrepreneurs across the continent and supported the platform that awarded five winners each year with £1-million grants to fund their initiatives.

The MTF Academy investment has already produced 467 interns and graduates, trained 1 500 masterclass participants and seen 152 films go into production.

Across Africa, the group is demonstrating how private investment translates into job creation, economic stability, and talent development.

In every one of the territories where MultiChoice operates, this local-investment approach dovetails perfectly with national-development goals, building career pathways, creating aspirational African content for African people, and driving economy growth.