Zuko Komisa

South African Amapiano sensation Mawhoo, whose real name is Thandeka Ngema, has been named Spotify Africa’s EQUAL ambassador for July 2025.
This recognition not only highlights her remarkable vocal talent but also solidifies her position as a powerful symbol of resilience and self-empowerment within the music industry.
Mawhoo first rose to prominence in 2018 with her debut single “Umshado”.
Since then, she has emerged as one of Amapiano’s most distinctive and impactful female voices, consistently breaking barriers in a genre often dominated by male artists.
Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme aims to amplify female talent across the continent, providing essential visibility and resources for artists to flourish globally. Mawhoo’s selection underscores her musical prowess and her unwavering determination in navigating a challenging industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Mawhoo shared the obstacles she faced, including pressures to compromise her creative control and identity.
“There was a time when people made me do music and sounds that didn’t speak to me. I couldn’t express myself fully,” she revealed, adding that she was “bullied.”
She champions the message for women across all industries to “learn to stand your ground and say no. Don’t sell your soul just to please others. Teach people to respect you and your decisions.”
Our #SpotifyEQUAL Ambassador this month @mawhoo3 on why it’s so important to stand your ground as a woman ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/HLjNfWjEGD
— Spotify Africa (@SpotifyAfrica) July 11, 2025



