Ep. 106-Daughter of the soil—my conversation with Thandiswa Mazwai

In this inspiring episode, I talk with South African rebel singer Thandiswa Mazwai, discussing her upbringing in Soweto, South Africa, during the Apartheid era. Her memories of the violence that took place are vivid. She recalls experiencing a great sense of freedom upon Nelson Mandela's release from prison and describes meeting South African legends Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, who would become her close friends and mentors. Mazwai's musical influences include Fela Kuti, Grace Jones, and UK punk band Skunk Anansie. Her parents, who were activists, had made her read books like Frantz Fanon's Wretched of the Earth. Her latest album is Sankofa, co-produced by Meshell Ndegeocello and fellow South African musician Nduduzo Makhathini; we talk about the experience of working with them. Our conversation wraps with the recollection of her 2005 performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem.https://thandiswa.comhttps://www.patreon.com/c/ALONGWAYFROMTHEBLOCKPODCAST