There is something undeniably powerful about watching two women who are already forces in their own right come together and create something bigger than the sum of their individual careers. MaWhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu, now known as the Zulu Queens, have done exactly that with their joint album, Isithembu.
The 15-track project sees the powerhouse vocalists stepping into Maskandi, bringing their distinct voices to a genre deeply rooted in Zulu culture, storytelling and tradition. What makes the project particularly exciting is that neither artist needs the other to validate her place in South African music. MaWhoo has carved out her own lane with her smooth, emotive vocals, while Lwah Ndlunkulu is known for her powerful, distinctive sound. Together, their voices create an intriguing balance between contemporary and traditional.
Rather than treating Maskandi as simply an aesthetic, Isithembu embraces the genre while allowing room for modern influences. The result is a project that feels respectful of where Maskandi comes from while also exploring where it can go.
The album features an impressive line-up of artists, including young talent Feza, legendary female duo Izingane Zoma, Maskandi heavyweight Mthandeni SK and musical genius Siya Ntuli. Bringing these artists together adds another layer to the project, creating a meeting point between different generations and interpretations of Maskandi.
“Distance,” featuring Feza, is an early standout. The collaboration allows all three vocalists to shine, with MaWhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu’s chemistry complemented by Feza’s contribution. It is a fitting introduction to the world the Zulu Queens have created.
Elsewhere, tracks such as “Woolies” featuring Mthandeni SK and “Phephela” featuring Siya Ntuli further demonstrate the duo’s ability to work within the traditional framework of Maskandi while retaining their individual identities.
But perhaps the most significant part of Isithembu is what it represents. Maskandi has historically been a male-dominated genre, making the decision by two established female vocalists to enter the space together more than a creative experiment. It is a statement.
There is something equally powerful about the sisterhood at the centre of the project. Instead of positioning successful women against one another, MaWhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu have chosen to build together. Isithembu becomes a celebration of women supporting women, heritage being carried forward and a genre making room for new voices.
The Zulu Queens are not trying to replace what came before them. They are adding to it.
And that is what makes Isithembu such a significant moment for South African music: two powerhouse women with established identities stepping into a traditionally male-dominated sound and making it unmistakably their own.
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