King Tha makes long-awaited musical comeback with latest album 'Sankofa'

JOHANNESBURG - The legendary Thandiswa Mazwai popularly known as King Tha is making a much-awaited musical comeback with a new album titled “Sankofa”.

The news comes as her debut album Zabalaza celebrates 20 years on Friday.

Released in 2004 Zabalaza is a musical masterpiece that launched the now 47-year-old’s solo career.

Thandiswa Mazwai was first introduced to South Africans in 1998 as the main vocalist of one of the pioneering Kwaito bands Bongo Maffin.

That was until she ventured into her solo career in which her platinum and award-winning debut album Zabalaza was created.

While it celebrates two decades today her last offering was 8 years ago with Belede.

But in May fans will be treated to what’s been described as a sonic Odyssey through Sankofa.

Sankofa a Ghanaian word that means to go back and fetch what’s been left behind what is important, what honours you, and what needs healing is a combination of archival Xhosa music, jazz and West African rhythms.

Music fans will get to enjoy another elite live experience of King Tha’s celebration of Sankofa at Carnival City in May.

The upcoming album boasts collaborations with the legendary likes of Nduduzo Makhathini, Meshell Ndegeocello and Thandi Ntuli – Thandiswa says the project is about a celebration of the Pan African spirit and reconnecting with the African diaspora."