Era of the Matriarchs
The early 2000s marked a defining chapter in South African music, a time when female artists didn’t just participate in the conversation, they led it. The “Era of the Matriarch” was more than a period of dominance, it was a cultural shift that placed women at the forefront of R&B, Afro-pop, jazz, and soul. It was a time when voices carried weight, when language and rhythm found new intersections, and when the face of the South African music industry became decidedly feminine.
At the center of this movement stood Thandiswa Mazwai, whose debut album Zabalaza (2004) captured the spirit of cultural awakening. It drew deeply from indigenous Xhosa traditions and the voices of musical women before her, weaving them into a modern, Pan-African identity. Having already made her mark as the fierce lead of Bongo Maffin, Thandiswa’s solo work, including Ibokwe and her later work, confirmed her as one of the continent’s most enduring and visionary artists.
That same year, Simphiwe Dana released her debut Zandisile (2004), redefining the boundaries of African soul and jazz with poetic storytelling and spiritual depth. Her sound was both revolutionary and rooted, as though she carried the voices of her ancestors into a new millennium. Alongside her came Zamajobe, whose tender, soulful Ndawo Yami (2004) arrived when she was just nineteen. Together with Thandiswa, they formed a remarkable trinity of women whose work reshaped the sound of contemporary South African music.
Before them, Judith Sephuma had already set the tone with A Cry, A Smile, A Dance (2001), an album that remains one of the most timeless debuts in local music history. Judith’s effortless blend of jazz, soul, and multilingual expression created a space where South African music could be both intimate and expansive. Her songwriting inspired a generation of vocalists who sought to express emotion with honesty and grace.
Zolani Mahola, the unmistakable voice of Freshlyground, brought another kind of magic. Through Nomvula (2004), she helped the band bridge the country’s cultural and racial divides, offering a sound that felt genuinely unifying. As South Africa danced to songs that crossed every boundary, Zolani became a symbol of joy, optimism, and national pride – a matriarch of connection through music.
Elsewhere, Thembisile emerged from Popstars and quickly transitioned into a successful solo artist with her self-titled debut Thembisile (2006). Her blend of R&B and Afro-pop reflected the new urban energy of the time. TK Mhinga represented the polished elegance of South African R&B, particularly with Black Butterfly (2003), crafting emotionally rich songs that felt both familiar and sophisticated. Her artistry laid the groundwork for the modern local R&B movement, proving that homegrown soul could match the best in the world.
In the same breath, Unathi Nkayi and Lira embodied strength, introspection, and professionalism. Unathi’s blend of personal storytelling and media influence made her one of the most relatable voices of her generation. Lira, through her breakout Feel Good (2006) and subsequent Soul in Mind (2009), set new standards for artistry and brand-building, her sound seamlessly bridging South African soul with global sensibilities.
Kelly Khumalo stood out as one of the era’s most commanding and emotionally charged voices. Her debut T.K.O (2005) revealed a powerhouse vocalist whose intensity and vulnerability drew listeners in, while later work cemented her not only as one of the country’s best ever vocalists, from my perspective, but also as a fearless performer capable of transforming pain into art. Winnie Khumalo, a seasoned artist who had long paid her dues in the industry, reemerged with Live My Life (2008), proving that longevity and reinvention could coexist with confidence. Toward the latter end of the decade came Zonke Dikana, whose Life, Love ’n Music (2007) and later Ina Ethe positioned her alongside Lira as part of a refined new wave – elegant, self-assured, and technically masterful – signaling a graceful evolution of the matriarch sound.
Nhlanhla Nciza of Mafikizolo and Tshidi Moholo of Malaika became the twin pillars of Afro-pop. Their voices carried the warmth and optimism of the early 2000s, a time when South Africans were eager to celebrate love, hope, and rhythm. Their music wasn’t just popular – it was communal, soundtracking weddings, road trips, and milestones across the country.
Relo Makhubo, as the melodic heart of Skwatta Kamp, brought feminine depth to South African hip-hop. Her harmonies softened the edges of the group’s hard lyricism, giving their work emotional range and crossover appeal. In doing so, Relo became one of the first women to assert her presence in local rap spaces, opening the door for future female voices in urban music.
The matriarchs also thrived across other genres. Siphokazi’s Ubuntu Bam (2006) spoke directly to heritage and healing, while Wanda Baloyi’s jazz-soul fusion reflected the cosmopolitan identity of modern South Africa. Bongi Dube honoured her father Lucky Dube’s legacy through Afro-soul, while Mabongi redefined gospel music with a modern and spiritually charged sound.
Even in Kwaito, a space long dominated by men, Chomee broke barriers with her star power and stage presence, proving that women could lead in performance-driven genres too. And Tumi K from Gang of Instrumentals brought effortless cool to the urban scene, merging hip-hop, R&B, and pop in a way that captured the voice of the city – young, multilingual, and fearless.
The “Era of the Matriarch” wasn’t just about who topped charts or collected awards. It was about ownership, artistry, and identity. These women redefined what it meant to be heard, crafting a sonic language that was proudly African, fiercely feminine, and emotionally honest. They expanded the industry’s possibilities, from sound to storytelling, and turned their personal truths into cultural touchstones.
Two decades later, their music still resonates. You can hear their influence in every new voice that values authenticity, in every young woman who sings her story with conviction. The matriarchs didn’t just dominate a decade – they built its foundation. They led an era defined by purpose, beauty, and resilience, and in doing so, ensured that South African music would never sound the same again.
Beyond those mentioned, there were countless other women whose songs shaped the pulse of the 2000s, artists who carried the spirit of their time through harmonies, heartbreak, and hope. Their voices filled taxis, homes, and airwaves, leaving behind soundtracks to growing up, falling in love, and finding identity. Each contributed to a collective legacy that defined what it meant to feel, to belong, and to rise. In honour of their influence, we’ve compiled a playlist that revisits this golden era — a celebration of the matriarchs who made South African R&B and Afro-pop unforgettable.
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