Thandiswa Mazwai, Sankofa Review

by Brice Boorman

Thandiswa Mazwai is releasing her fourth studio album, Sankofa, in her ongoing story of mixing genres with South African music. Known for her powerful voice and deep connection to her Xhosa heritage, Mazwai once again delivers an album that is musically compelling. With Sankofa, Mazwai invites listeners on a journey that bridges ancestral wisdom while addressing contemporary struggles.

The album’s title, Sankofa, is derived from a Ghanaian Twi word that means “to go back and fetch what has been left behind.” This concept is not just a metaphor for the album but a guiding principle for its creation. Recorded in Johannesburg, Dakar, and New York, Sankofa is a sonic tapestry woven from archival Xhosa samples, jazz, and West African music. The album features collaborations with prominent artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Nduduzo Makhathini, and Thandi Ntuli, all of whom contribute to the album’s rich, layered sound.

Mazwai’s approach to Sankofa is rooted in a reverence for the past. She spent years immersing herself in the archival recordings of Xhosa music, which she first accessed at the International Library of African Music at Rhodes University. These recordings became the foundation upon which the album was built, serving as inspiration and material. The result is an album that feels timeless, as if it has always existed, waiting to be uncovered and shared with the world.

From the opening track “sabela,” which translates to “calling” in Xhosa, Mazwai establishes the album’s central themes: healing, reclamation, and political dissatisfaction. The song speaks to her artistic calling and the joy she finds in singing, setting the tone for an album that is deeply personal yet universally resonant.

“Biko Speaks” is a powerful track featuring archival recordings of Steve Biko, the South African anti-apartheid activist. By including Biko’s voice, Mazwai underscores the album’s engagement with historical struggles and the ongoing fight for social justice. The track reminds us that the past is never far from the present and that the lessons of history are essential for understanding and navigating the complexities of today.

“emini” and “kunzima” continue this exploration of post-apartheid South Africa, expressing disappointment with the current state of the nation. “emini” laments the loss of the radical vision that once inspired the country’s liberation, while “kunzima” reflects on the challenges faced by South Africans and the squandered opportunities for progress. These songs are not merely critiques but calls to action, urging listeners to reclaim the spirit of resistance and hope that defined the anti-apartheid movement.

The Pan-African spirit is woven throughout the album, with Mazwai drawing on musical traditions from across the continent. In “Dogon,” inspired by the Dogon people of Mali, she celebrates Black lives and seeks divine guidance and illumination. The song features a driving beat, West African strings, and a distinct call-and-response pattern that evokes the communal spirit of African music. The brass adds a mournful tone, reminiscent of the southern sky’s twilight hues, creating a soundscape that is both expansive and intimate.

“With love to Makeba” is a poignant tribute to the legendary Miriam Makeba, a towering figure in African music and politics. By reinterpreting Makeba’s classic “Moulouyame,” Mazwai honors her legacy while also celebrating Guinea, the country that provided Makeba with refuge during her years of exile. The song is a complex, slow-burning piece of jazz that reflects the deep connection between music, memory, and identity.

Mazwai’s personal history is deeply intertwined with the political themes of the album. Coming from an activist family, she has always been keenly aware of the power of music to inspire change. Yet, Sankofa is more than a political statement; it is also a deeply personal work that reflects Mazwai’s own journey of healing and self-discovery.

In “kulungile,” a collaboration with pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, Mazwai explores the theme of childhood trauma and the path to healing. The song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics create a space for reflection and catharsis, reminding listeners of the importance of confronting and overcoming past wounds.

“xandibona wena,” a duet with Thandi Ntuli, shifts the focus to love and desire. The song’s sensual and evocative atmosphere is a testament to Mazwai’s versatility as an artist, able to move seamlessly between themes of resistance and intimacy. “fela khona,” a passionate and defiant anthem, embraces a sense of belonging to the land and its people, rejecting external salvation and asserting the right to self-determination.

Sankofa is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of African music and the importance of reclaiming and honoring our past. Through her blending of traditional and contemporary sounds, Thandiswa Mazwai has created an album that speaks to the complexities of our time while offering a vision of hope and resilience. As South Africa grapples with its post-apartheid identity, Sankofa serves as both a reflection and a guide, urging us to remember where we come from and use that knowledge to build a better future. So join her on this journey, listen closely, and find strength in Africa’s rhythms and melodies.