South African singer Thando Zide is quietly emerging as one of the most compelling voices in the country’s contemporary jazz and soul landscape. With a voice that carries both depth and tenderness, Zide first caught our attention with her EP Umvulo, a body of work that revealed an artist deeply connected to storytelling and emotion. Standout tracks such as Ilanga Lakho featuring Manana and Mazenzisa with Ndabo Zulu showcased her ability to blend rich musicality with introspective lyricism, and fittingly, all three collaborators will appear at this year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Zide is set to make her debut at the festival, joining celebrated jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini for his An Ongoing Rehearsal Our-Ke(s)tra with Special Guests performance. It marks an important milestone in her career, one that reflects the steady growth of an artist whose music feels both personal and purposeful.
We caught up with Thando Zide to talk about her upbringing, creative process, collaborations, and what it means to step onto one of Africa’s most celebrated jazz stages for the first time.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and where you grew up? What kind of environment shaped you as a person and as an artist?
I am the youngest of four siblings, all raised by my mother, a strong and beautiful Tswana woman. Growing up, I alternated between living with my mom and my dad until high school, when I stayed permanently with my father, a brilliant Xhosa man originally from eDutywa in the Eastern Cape, who moved to Johannesburg with his parents as a teenager.
My father’s side of the family loves gathering, and that often meant singing together until nightfall. My late grandfather and two aunts were traditional healers, so the Mgcina home was always filled with singing, ululating and the beating of drums. My parents actually met at choir rehearsals, so music has always been a central part of how I identify myself.
When did you first realise music was something you wanted to pursue seriously?
It was during my second year of varsity that I began to consider music as something I could pursue as a career. I suddenly felt a strong nudge to take it seriously and invest in it with real intention.
How would you describe your sound and the kind of stories you like to tell through your music?
Intentional, that’s the word I would use to describe my sound.
What usually inspires your songwriting and creative process?
I mostly write about what I’m experiencing and feeling at a particular time. Writing helps me process emotions, make sense of them and soothe myself. Sometimes I also write from an aspirational point of view — about things I wish to experience.
I probably do that more often than writing directly from vulnerability, because vulnerability is still something I’m learning to explore more deeply.
You’ll be joining Nduduzo Makhathini’s Ongoing Rehearsal at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. How did this opportunity come about?
It has always been a dream of mine to meet and eventually work with uBab’Makhathini. During the first leg of my Isineke tour in Durban last year, he attended the show with his wife, Mrs Omagugu, to show support. That meant a lot to me.
After that, I asked if we could collaborate at some point. I’m grateful to say that the request was met with the warmest and most open arms. Being featured on his Cape Town International Jazz Festival leg of The Ongoing Rehearsal is truly a blessing.
This will be your debut on the Cape Town International Jazz Festival stage. What does that moment mean to you at this stage of your journey?
It’s truly an honour.
What has the experience of rehearsing and working with Nduduzo Makhathini been like so far?
It has been fascinating to witness his mind at work. I really enjoy working with people I feel creatively compatible with. His perfectionism is clearly supported by his skill and his deep love for what he does.
I’m also someone who loves learning and is naturally curious, and he meets that curiosity beautifully. Passing on knowledge seems to come naturally to him.
You’ve also collaborated with Jabulile on the successful song Isineke. Can you tell us about your relationship as artists and how that collaboration came to life?
uJabulile has a special place in my heart. I truly love the person he is. He’s what I call a gift that keeps on giving — not only is he incredibly gifted musically, but he’s also a very wise person, which I really appreciate about him.
He sent me Isineke with his verse already recorded and asked if we could work on it together. After he shared the backstory behind the song, I remember texting him about how emotional it made me feel while writing my part.
What was beautiful is how similarly we both connected to the song once I shared my lyrics with him. I’m honoured that he thought of me when choosing a collaborator for it.
Looking ahead to 2026, are there any new songs or projects you’re currently working on?
I’m currently working on an album. I’m quite nervous about it, but I’m hopeful that it will do well.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is taking place on the 27 and 28th of March 2026. Grab your ticket here
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