Thandiswa Mazwai celebrates ‘revolutionary’ 42nd birthday

Thandiswa Mazwai, or “King Tha” as she likes to be known, celebrated her 42nd birthday on Saturday with a show dedicated to a women-only audience.

Men who didn’t identify solely with their gender of birth were also welcome.

“And I do think that there is something bold in choosing a particular audience. In creating ‘only’ spaces,” Mazwai told City Press.

“The act in itself is revolutionary because there’s something about women owning their own time, owning their ability to spend time in each other’s company that isn’t really accepted in society. Society wants women to be told what to do. For us choosing to spend this time with each other is a revolutionary act.”

City Press was in attendance to capture some of the moments from the show which began at 4pm and included talks by Prof Pumla Gqola, Milisuthando Bongela and Beverly Ditsite, as well as poetry from Koleka Putuma and Lebohang Masango and DJ sets from Lady Skollie,Vardz and Maria McCloy.

Mazwai also paid tribute to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and dedicated a song to her – just two days before the struggle veteran passed on.

The backdrop of her stage had Madikizela-Mandela’s picture throughout.

Happy Birthday Thandiswa Mazwai. The birthday cake for King Tha Pictures: Zamayirha Peter

SISTER LOVE: Mazwai dancing with her sister Ntsiki.

Black woman’s caucus: (From left) Xoli Matomela, Nyiko Lebogang and Kidist Keaton were part of the audience members.

The audience was only made up of women at her request PIctute: Rosetta Msimango

Members of the audience sing along and dance to Mazwai’s musicPicture: Rosetta Msimango

The audience listening to Milisuthando Bongela who spoke about love.