Africa Month Spotlight: Zawadi YaMungu channels ancestral spirit through song

In celebration of Africa Month 2025, we shine a light on Zawadi YaMungu, a South African artist whose music transcends performance, becoming a spiritual journey that honours African heritage. Her 2024 single “Ngimuhle” emerged as an anthem of self-love and cultural pride, resonating deeply with audiences across the continent. Zawadi's artistry is rooted in traditional African sounds, drawing inspiration from legendary figures like Princess Magogo. Guided by her late mother and grandmother, she mastered indigenous instruments such as the umakhweyane and ugubhu string bow, weaving them seamlessly with her unique vocal style. This fusion creates a transcendent musical experience that connects listeners to their roots and to each other. Her upcoming album, also titled Ngimuhle, promises to continue this journey of cultural affirmation and spiritual connection. As Africa Month commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity and celebrates the continent's rich cultural tapestry, artists like Zawadi YaMungu exemplify the power of music to unite, heal, and inspire.

GLAMOUR: Was there a moment or experience that sparked your realisation that music was not only your passion but also a way to spiritually connect with others and honour your African heritage?

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Zawadi YaMungu: I still remember the moment it hit me — the realisation that my music was more than just a showcase of talent or skill. It was a profound experience that transcended the ordinary. When I stepped on stage, especially during songs rooted in African traditions, I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience. The music took over, and I was completely immersed in a realm that felt beyond physical. The rhythm, melodies and energy of the crowd merged into something magical, making it hard for me to finish a song without getting lost in its beauty. As I sang, I felt like I was receiving messages and sounds from somewhere deeper and each note felt like a connection to something greater. It was like I was channelling something and sharing that

Zawadi YaMungu, Indigenous multi-instrumentalist

experience with the audience.

We became one, united in a dance of spirit and sound. Sometimes, songs would go on for over 15 minutes and I’d feel compelled to keep going, guided by an invisible force that was steering the energy in the room. That’s when I discovered the concept of “transcendence”. It perfectly captured what I was experiencing, the elevation of music beyond the mundane, creating a space for spiritual and emotional healing. Learning about this concept gave me clarity and a sense of purpose, and it helped me understand the unique connection I have with my audience. I realised that I’m not just a performer, but a conduit for something divine. This journey of self-discovery has shaped who I am as an artist and it continues to inspire me to create music that transcends the ordinary.

GLAMOUR: Which indigenous instruments can you play and what drew you to them?

Zawadi YaMungu: My passion for music and instruments was sparked when I discovered Princess Magogo’s unique sound, which was unlike anything I’d ever heard before. What drew me in was the instrument she played — and as I delved deeper, I learned that it was an indigenous instrument from our own heritage. I was fortunate to have my late mother and grandmother, uBavikile Ngema uMaBhengu, to guide me in learning to play it. They nurtured me and helped me find my own style, which blended perfectly with my voice and sound. This experience not only deepened my connection to our cultural heritage but also ignited a desire to explore and learn more instruments from our beautiful continent. Although I’ve been exposed to Western instruments, which have become a part of my collection, my heart remains committed to preserving and archiving our own heritage. I see this as a way to honour our pride and creativity and to keep our unique cultural identity alive.

GLAMOUR: What challenges have you faced as a female instrumentalist ad how have you overcome them?

Zawadi YaMungu: There are so many challenges we face in general, it saddens me that I have to specify that we as women go through . But the reality is we have to work 30x harder and the domination of man has created a space where as a women you have to prove yourself, it seems you have to get their validation to have access to certain resources and spaces .They’ve created their own network which demeans our identity in the industry as females. I’ve found myself having to truly push hard even though my work has its flow and allows no limits bathi “it speaks for itself “ which has been my weapon for consistency and not allowing this to be the center of my progress. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here if I allowed myself to let this be my story.

GLAMOUR: Your song “Ngimuhle” was such a beautiful affirming anthem in 2024.What was the inspiration behind it —and can we expect an album this year?

Zawadi YaMungu: “Ngimuhle” is an anthem for all of us, and it’s amazing to see men tap into it too. When I wrote the song, I envisioned it as inclusive of everyone, but I have to admit that the language and themes I used were more traditionally associated with feminine experiences. The song is really about celebrating our humanity and the beauty that comes with growth, wisdom and age. I wanted to remind Africans of their inherent beauty and encourage them to embrace the changes that come with time, rather than shaming themselves. The message is simple: you are beautiful just as you are, and your unique physique is what makes you. So NGIMUHLE is definitely an anthem , and yes you can be on the lookout for album this year

Article first appeared on GLAMOUR's Mind and Body issue 2025