Go Back
Irene Mawela
First Name: 
Other Names: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
Primary Language: 
Other Languages: 

Participations

2
Songwriter
Bio
Matodzi Irene Mawela is a renowned South African singer and composer. She grew up in Soweto and began her music career in the late 1950s as a member of the girl group, The Sweet Voices. Mawela signed a contract with Rupert Bopape, a producer for EMI South Africa, and went on to record for the Dark City Sisters and The Sweet Sixteens. Her music is a powerful tool for expressing the experiences of black South Africans during apartheid rule.
Discography
Albums3
The Best of SABC Years( 1982-1988)
The Best of SABC Years( 1982-1988)2019 • AlbumTracks: 22
Ari Pembele Lets Rejoice
Ari Pembele Lets Rejoice2017 • AlbumTracks: 15
Tihokomela Sera
Tihokomela Sera2007 • AlbumTracks: 10
Label
Record Label associated with Irene Mawela - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Gregory Isaacs
    Gregory IsaacsJamaica |1951| English
    Gregory Anthony Isaacs was a renowned Jamaican reggae legend celebrated for his velvety voice and romantic songwriting. Starting as a teenager, he participated in talent contests, and in 1968, made his recording debut as Winston Sinclair. Teaming up with Errol Dunkley, they released the hit "My Only Lover," pioneering lovers rock. Collaborations with esteemed producers solidified his position as a reggae great. Isaacs signed with Front Line Records, appearing in "Rockers" and delivering outstanding albums like "The Cool Ruler" and "Soon Forward." His international breakthrough came with "Night Nurse" on Island Records. Despite personal struggles, Isaacs continued recording, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. He passed away in 2010, leaving behind an influential reggae legacy.
    Kaya
    KayaMauritius |1966| French
    Joseph Réginald Topize, popularly known with the moniker "Kaya" was a Mauritian musician and the inventor of "Seggae", a hybrid of Mauritian sega and reggae. He started learning the guitar at age 16. With his first band, "Wind and Fire," he performed tunes by musicians like Mike Brant, Santana, Deep Purple, and others at weddings and celebrations. Topize chose the name "Kaya" to honor Marley's album of the same name shortly after becoming acquainted with Bob Marley and reggae music.
    Mlungisi Gegana
    Mlungisi GeganaSouth Africa |1961| Portuguese
    MLUNGISI GEGANA born in 27th December 1961 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. For Mlungisi Gegana recognition hasn’t come easy and the journey has been long. But born in a community of inspirational artists who have made an impact on the national and international music scene, there was never a shortage of idols for this exceptionally talented bassist. Dubbed Little Jazz Town back in the 1920s, Queenstown is the home of the late trumpeter Mongezi Feza, vocalist Stompie Mavi, singer Margaret Mcingana and the Matshikiza musical dynasty of which Todd and his nephew Pat Matshikiza are the most famous.
    William Onyeabor
    William OnyeaborNigeria |1946| English
    William Ezechukwu Onyeabor, was a renowned Nigerian musician and entrepreneur. He rose to fame in Nigeria during the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming widely known for his funk music style. Despite his commercial success, he remained a private and reclusive person figure throughout his career, which only added to his enigmatic personality. His biggest hit "Better Change Your Mind," became widely popular and was featured in various compilations. Onyeabor's music remain popular and his legacy continue to inspire new generation of musicians.
    Kagiso Paul Ndlovu
    Kagiso Paul NdlovuSouth Africa |1959| Afrikaans
    Kagiso Paul Ndlovu started out in the group called The Big Cats in the late 1970s and moved onto a duo called The Street Kids in the early 1980s before going solo in 1985. It was clear that the Shangaan disco music king had arrived. Paul's trademark was his sailor's cap. The crowds loved this humble star from the North.
    Sir Chuks Nwamama
    Sir Chuks NwamamaNigeria |1920| Igbo
    Sir Chuks Nwamama is a Nigerian musician and the founder of the International Dandy Orchestra of Nigeria. Sir Chuks began his musical career in the 1970s as a saxophonist in various highlife bands. Sir Chuks formed the Dandy Orchestra, a group that blended traditional Nigerian highlife music with contemporary influences, such as jazz and funk. The Dandy Orchestra quickly gained a following in Nigeria and began to tour internationally. He has also collaborated with numerous musicians from around the world. Sir Chuks Nwamama is known for his unique blend of African rhythms and contemporary sounds.
    Rocky Dawuni
    Rocky DawuniGhana |1969| English
    Rocky Dawuni is a two-time GRAMMY nominated singer, songwriter, producer and activist. He is known for his unique "Afro Roots" sound, which straddles the boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. He is also a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa, a UN Foundation Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance and a Global Ambassador for the World Day of African and Afrodescendant Culture, using his music and platform to raise awareness on important global issues.
    Smahila
    SmahilaNigeria |1940| English
    Known for his psychedelics guitar strumming and a unique style of highlife music called Highlife Heaven, Smahila is an exceptional Nigerian musician and band leader of his band, The S.B'.s. Smahila’s music career began in the 1970s with the release of an album titled "Smahila & The S.B.'s." This earned him some fans and a growing interest within Nigeria and West Africa. He later released another body of work in 1979 before going on a hiatus until 2005.