Thandeka Mfinyongo

Musician

Hello!!!

Meet Me

Thandeka Mfinyongo is a musician born and raised in Nyanga East, Cape Town (South Africa). Mfinyongo's love and passion for performing arts started at a very young age at church. In 2017, she graduated with a Performer's Diploma in Music; in 2018, she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in African Music from the University of Cape Town. Mfinyongo specialises in two Xhosa instruments, uhadi (gourd/calabash bow) and umrhubhe (mouth-bow). In 2020, she graduated with her Master's in Music Performance at SOAS University of London, majoring in kora (an instrument from West Africa). Mfinyongo is currently doing her PhD in Ethnomusicology at Rhodes University.

Mfinyongo's musical contributions extend beyond performance; she has collaborated with renowned artists such as the late Dr Madosini and Dumza Maswana. Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition and awards like the Rhodes University Top 100 Award for Arts, Media, Culture & Society. And opportunities to perform at prestigious events like the Joy of Jazz, the National Arts Festival, the Folklore Festival, the Oluzayo Festival, Resonance presented by NewMusicSA, and the South African Strings Foundation, etc. Mfinyongo has a tremendous presence on stage and is an experienced vocalist, as well as an uhadi and umrhubhe player. Mfinyongo is inspired by an older generation of musicians, such as Madosini, whom she spent time with learning and deepening her knowledge. Continuing to soar in her career, Mfinyongo remains one of the prominent figures in the South African music scene, captivating audiences with her soulful performances and commitment to preserving African musical traditions.

Check My

Music

Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence

Bayreuth

During my residency at the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at Bayreuth University, Germany, I participated in various academic events and cultural activities that enriched my understanding of African studies and cross-cultural dialogue.

Activities & Experiences

Event Posters

Achievements

Awards

Make Music Day Performance

A build-up event to the Paris 2024 Olympics!
June 2024

Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence

Artist Residency Program 2024-25 of the Bayreuth Academy of Advanced African Studies, Germany.

North West University

Lecturer, Music Department
April 2024 - Current

Rhodes University

PhD in Ethnomusicology Candidate
2022 - 2024

SOAS University of London

Masters in Music Performance
2019 - 2020

University of Cape Town

Diploma and Advanced Diploma in African Music
2014 - 2018

Upcoming

Events

15
November

Thandeka Mfinyongo

Hi all, I hope you are doing good. I’d like to invite you to my show at 35 Buitenkant St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925, it’ll be on Friday the 15th of November. Hope to see you there. Love Thandeka.

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Touch

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Contact Info

Email

bookings@thandekamfinyongo.com

Social Media

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