Tshedi Malaika

Born of Music, Built for Greatness

Music is not just an art form to Tshedi Malaika; it is the very essence of her being. “Music is my DNA,” she says with deep conviction, reflecting on a life shaped by melody, rhythm, and powerful lyrics. Hailing from the vibrant North West Province of South Africa, Tshedi’s story begins in a home where music was not a hobby, but a way of life.

Her late father, a brilliant singer, and her mother, a passionate choir conductor, laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary musical legacy. “I was born in a very musical family, which gave me an opportunity to be heard and seen by the rest of the world,” she recalls.

From a young age, Tshedi stood out. Whether it was singing during school assemblies, taking part in competitions, or collaborating with various church denominations, her talent always demanded attention. She remembers how the music of the apartheid era shaped her ear and lyrical sensibility: “Every song, one had to actually structure the lyrical content and the melody and sing along with it.” This process, unknowingly, became part of her informal training; sharpening her understanding of musical storytelling and emotional expression.

Tshedi didn’t stop at talent alone. She went to school for music, further grounding her natural gift in education and discipline. “I can still go to school for music, maybe in the future,” she says with a humble laugh, a reminder that true artists never stop learning.

Her journey has not been without trials. But in true Tshedi Malaika spirit, every obstacle became a stepping stone. “I'm glad whatever obstacles or challenges one went through brought me to where I am today.”

Today, Tshedi stands tall; not only as a musical legend in South Africa but as a beacon of resilience, passion, and purpose. Her voice continues to echo across generations, reminding us that greatness is not born in comfort, but in courage.

Malaika's journey began in the most unassuming of places; a church choir in the heart of Johannesburg’s Middlands. What seemed like a simple gathering of voices turned into the birth of one of South Africa’s most iconic Afro-pop groups. Tshedi, reflecting with a warm blend of nostalgia and truth, recalls how everything came together organically: “They were looking for a female vocalist, since they were already signed with Sony, and that's how I joined. We formulated the group from inception.”

Yet, while the beginning may have been simple, the path that followed was far from easy.

As the only female member of the group, Tshedi found herself navigating a space often dominated by male voices and egos. “It was quite a mission,” she admits. The trio experienced it all; the highs of shared success and the lows of internal friction. “We had a great time, sad moments, and obviously, several fights; not physical, but emotional, intense, and often draining. There were a lot of challenges along the way, especially when it came to decision-making;  who makes a better decision than the rest.”

Despite the tensions, she emphasizes that those struggles were part of the group’s evolution and strength. The camaraderie was real, even when tested. “You know what I mean?” she says repeatedly, almost as if inviting her listeners to step into her shoes; to feel the tug-of-war between dreams, personalities, and pressures.

In the male-dominated structure of Malaika, Tshedi stood her ground with grace and grit, learning to assert herself while staying true to the music and the message they represented.

When it comes to staying relevant in a constantly shifting industry, Tshedi has a clear formula; one grounded in authenticity, resilience, and self-empowerment.

“My secret to longevity and relevance,” she shares, “is being real to myself. Being resilient. Strategic. Educating myself when given the opportunity. Engaging with those that came before us. Learning the tricks of the industry.” It's not just about talent or fame; it's about staying grounded and refusing to be swayed by the noise.

Tshedi is open about the struggles she faced. “It was not an easy one,” she admits. “You’re often seen as a nuisance when you stand up for your rights, when you question things, when you’re being victimized for simply speaking your truth.” But rather than shrink or conform, she chose to stand tall, even when it came at a personal cost.

“I refused to belong to places that didn’t sit well with me. I’m straightforward, genuine, real. I keep an eye on things. I set boundaries where I have to.”

Beyond the stage and the spotlight, Tshedi took control of her own growth. Her journey of learning led her to unexpected places; including sitting on the Board of Trustees for a Retirement Annuity Fund. A position she never imagined holding, but one that reflects her growing influence and insight into the business side of music.

“You can’t just allow yourself to be behind the microphone in the booth and think that’s it,” she explains. “As a musician, you need to understand the business side too.” Through support from SAMRO, she studied at Boston, where she deepened her understanding of the industry’s legal and economic frameworks.

But amidst all the strategy and hustle, one foundation remains unshaken; her faith. “I pray a lot in my silence,” she says softly. “I respect my supporters. And I take myself seriously.”

It’s this blend of spirit, skill, and self-respect that has carried Tshedi through the storms and kept her name glowing across generations.

“I am an artist that doesn’t believe in doing just one genre of music,” she says with passion. Her artistry refuses to be boxed in. She is a creative who thrives on challenge, adaptability, and fearless exploration. “I enjoy challenging myself to the highest level. I love world music.”

From Zouk to Rumba, Pop to Rock, Tshedi listens with an open heart and a curious mind;  constantly expanding her range and redefining her identity. “If a song is beautiful, you’ll hear it;  as a musician, as an artist, or as a creative,” she explains. “Given a chance, you just have to adjust and take risks.”

It’s this bold, genre-fluid approach that keeps her sound fresh and her soul vibrant. Listening widely, she believes, sharpens your ear and expands your creative range. It’s not just about notes or rhythms; it’s about the writing skills, the lyrical content, and the emotional journey that comes with every sound.

By immersing herself in a global tapestry of music, Tshedi continues to grow, evolve, and rise;  never stagnant, always open. And for her, the best is yet to come. “There are better things to happen,” she says, a subtle promise that the journey is far from over.

Tshedi’s Fight for Fairness and Female Empowerment

In the rough terrain of the music industry; especially for women; Tshedi has learned to stand firm, loud, and unshaken. Her journey is one of courage, and her message is clear: “Artists in a male-dominated industry need to work ten times harder.”

For those without a strong backbone or voice, she warns, the industry can be brutal. “If you’re not going to have a big board, everybody will be stepping on your toes. You’ll be a doormat for quite a lot of people.” It’s a harsh truth she’s lived;  but never allowed to define her.

Tshedi has always armed herself with knowledge, knowing that power doesn’t just come from talent but from understanding the system. “Accumulate knowledge as much as possible so that you stay fixed in whatever challenges you are faced with,” she urges.

Her strength lies in her unshakeable sense of justice. “I believe in the strength to fight until the end. As long as I’m not going to cause harm to anyone’s life; if the law permits me to take a bull by the horns, I’ll do it.” She’s not interested in chaos, but she refuses to be silenced or sidelined. “I’m not a criminal. I stand up for my cause; even if it doesn’t sit well with many. But it’s beautiful.”

And in that beauty lies a revolution. “Women are coming out in numbers,” she notes proudly. “We just want to be appreciated and treated as trophies of the industry. We must be treasured.”

Her advocacy is not just about herself; it’s about the sisterhood. “I’ve always advocated for women, especially in our fraternity. I prefer for us to stand together and fight this war. No one else can win it for us without our permission.”

Tshedi doesn’t just sing for a living; she fights for it. With every word, she reminds us that the stage is not only a place of performance but of power.

The Power of Performance and Connection

For Tshedi, music isn’t just about sound; it’s about language, love, and legacy. She describes it as “the simplest thing” that can be put out into the world, yet acknowledges that defending its value and advocating for its purpose can often become complicated.

“Speak their language. Be their friend,” she says, referring to the bond between an artist and their audience. Whether it’s through the Gqom beats, soulful ballads, or traditional sounds like manyalo; wedding songs deeply cherished in South African culture;  Tshedi believes that music should reflect what people live for and value most. “People love getting married and they enjoy being married,” she adds, noting how love remains a timeless theme in her songs.

But there’s more to artistry than melody; performance is an art of its own. “You need to know the game. Know the drama that comes with putting on a show and acting on stage,” she emphasizes. Every lyric, every beat, every movement must come alive in front of the audience. “You must be able to tap into your supporters’ emotions, their mental ability, and always give them more of what you are capable of.”

For Tshedi, connection is key. She doesn’t just sing to her fans; she sings with them, building a bridge of shared emotions and memories. “Interaction becomes one of the beautiful moments fans remember. Make time for them; not only to buy your music but to celebrate the legend that is in you.”

Her words are a reminder that being an artist is more than being heard. It’s about being felt. “Your creativity should serve as an exemplar,” she concludes; a model of expression, emotion, and excellence.

As Tshedi’s story unfolds, one truth becomes clearer with every word: her journey is not only about music; it's about impact, presence, and purpose.

“You know, your creativity should serve as an exemplar,” she says;  a standard of excellence others can look up to. For Tshedi, this means giving more than just music; it means giving meaning. Her songs; infused with love, cultural relevance, and emotional honesty; are crafted to live beyond the moment. “Mostly, our songs are something that you own in this lifetime,” she reflects. “They need to be appreciated and treasured.”

She has always recognized the deep emotional power of music. Whether it's a love song, a wedding anthem, or a performance full of energy, her goal is always the same: to connect deeply and honestly. “You must tap into your supporters' emotions… their mental ability… always give them more.”

But beyond the stage, Tshedi is a teacher, a fighter, and a guide; offering wisdom to the next generation. She urges fellow artists to know the game, to understand the performance, and to embrace the drama that comes with it; not as chaos, but as craft. “Whatever you are singing, you must be able to know that when you are on stage, you're going to give a brilliant performance.”

And in those performances, the magic lives; not just in the sound, but in the interactions, the shared moments, and the memories made with fans. “Make time for them… not only for them to buy your music,” she says, “but so they can celebrate the legend that is in you.”

Tshedi’s Vision for Creative Unity

Despite the many chapters already written in her career, Tshedi’s artistic spirit remains ever open, ever curious. Collaboration, for her, is not just a strategy; it’s a form of growth, cultural connection, and creative expansion.

“I would love to collaborate with any artist that is willing to collaborate with me,” she says with genuine excitement. This openness has already led to fresh new work. “I’ve just recently collaborated with a Congolese artist based here in South Africa,” she shares. “The song is not out yet;  but it's coming.”

Among her dream collaborations, Davido tops the list. A powerhouse of Afrobeats and global music, Tshedi believes working with him would be “exploring” on another level;  a fusion of styles, sounds, and energy that could transcend borders.

But perhaps one of her most touching moments came from meeting the legendary Mama Angélique Kidjo;  a moment of grace, laughter, and sisterhood. “She gave me a lot of encouragement. We danced together, we dined together; and her talent is massive,” Tshedi says, her admiration radiating through every word. “You know what I mean? It will be beautiful.”

Tshedi views every collaboration as a unique opportunity to merge identities. “It’s a fusion of my style and their style,” she explains. “So it will be nice and awesome.” Through these musical unions, she doesn’t just create new songs; she creates bridges, celebrates diversity, and brings together different worlds under one rhythm.

Tshedi’s Present Plans and Vision Beyond Music

Even with decades of experience under her belt, Tshedi remains as active and forward-thinking as ever. Her calendar is full, her vision is expanding, and her heart is still deeply invested in the art, business, and legacy of her career.

“Currently, I’m working on a show for my staff; the second show; at Roly-Poly Theatre in Seattle,” she shares with enthusiasm. Set to take place on the 16th of August, the production marks another milestone in her international performance journey. “Tickets are available at WebTickets,” she adds, inviting fans to be part of the experience.

There’s also a buzz of excitement around her upcoming single with the Congolese artist she recently collaborated with. While the release date is still under wraps, she hints that it’s worth the wait: “People must expect that single I said we must wait for; it’s coming.”

Beyond the stage, Tshedi is focusing on securing her publishing rights and strengthening her business. “When we came into this industry, a lot was messed up,” she admits. Now, she’s reclaiming control, learning everything she can to ensure that her contributions are protected and that her children inherit a legacy of value and pride. “I’m trying to accumulate whatever I can... to leave a beautiful legacy the day I pass on, God forbid.”

With a spirit that refuses to settle, Tshedi is even entertaining the idea of launching a podcast; a platform to speak on matters close to her heart. Though still a dream in the making, the thought of it reflects her ever-evolving nature. “It will be nice to have one that will speak to the matter,” she muses, cautiously optimistic about what’s to come.

For Tshedi, the present is vibrant, and the future is rich with possibilities.

Tshedi’s Final Words: Real, Reflective, and Rooted in Grace

As the conversation draws to a close, Tshedi offers a powerful message; not just to fans, but to fellow artists and dreamers alike. It’s a mix of gratitude, realism, and a gentle plea for understanding.

“To my friends and supporters; keep praying for us,” she begins sincerely. “We are doing our level best. We are not angels, we are not Catholics... just allow me to be me.”

In a world where fame often comes with unrealistic expectations, Tshedi reminds us that artists are human. “We get angry. We can be nasty. We can be funny. But we are also learning to change our language; not to step on anyone’s toes.” That honesty, that vulnerability, is what makes her voice resonate far beyond the mic.

She urges her audience to continue celebrating local music, not only for entertainment, but as a means of support and survival. “Keep downloading our music; that’s how we make a living. That’s where our bread is buttered.”

Tshedi also speaks directly to aspiring artists: “There are so many opportunities in the music industry,” she says. “It’s not only about being behind the mic.” She emphasizes the importance of understanding the legalities, being responsible on social media, and surrounding yourself with a team that lifts you up, not drags you down.

“Do things correctly, and you’ll get somewhere. Hope to strive for success; and that way, we’ll be able to change the game.”

Her closing line is simple, yet profound:

“Live for today. Life is too short.”