Mshoza

About

Mshoza was the fearless "Queen of Kwaito," a Soweto-born pioneer who carved a place for women in one of South Africa's most male-dominated genres. Born Nomasonto Maswanganyi, she broke through as a teenager with hits like "Kortes" before her death in 2020. Here is a look back at her trailblazing career in this Mshoza biography.

Mshoza’s Personal Life

Mshoza was born Nomasonto Maswanganyi on 7 January 1983 at the Meadowlands Clinic in Soweto, South Africa. She rose from the townships to become a trailblazer in a male-dominated genre, earning the nickname the “Queen of Kwaito.”

Mshoza’s Career

Mshoza was a pioneering South African kwaito singer widely regarded as the “First Lady of Kwaito.”

Who was Mshoza?

Mshoza broke through as a teenager, holding her own in a scene dominated by men. Her bold persona and distinctive sound made her one of the most recognisable kwaito artists of the early 2000s.

Mshoza’s Music

Mshoza announced herself with her 2002 debut album BullDawgz First Lady and its hit “Kortes.” She followed it with Bhoza (2003), which produced popular tracks such as “My Angel” and “Umshoza Yibhoza,” cementing her place in kwaito history.

Mshoza’s Relationships

Mshoza’s personal life was often in the public eye. She married businessman Jacob Mnisi in 2007, with whom she had two children, and later married Thuthukani Mvula in 2017, though that union ended the following year.

Mshoza’s Death

Mshoza died on 19 November 2020 in Johannesburg, following complications related to diabetes. Her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the South African music industry, which remembered her as a genuine pioneer.

Mshoza’s Net Worth

Mshoza’s exact net worth was never made public, and estimates vary. Her income across her career came from music, performances and appearances.

Mshoza Q&A

How old was Mshoza?

Mshoza was 37 years old when she died on 19 November 2020. She was born on 7 January 1983 in Soweto.

What was Mshoza known for?

Mshoza was known as the “Queen of Kwaito,” celebrated for hits like “Kortes” and for breaking barriers as a woman in the genre.

What was Mshoza’s real name?

Mshoza’s real name was Nomasonto Maswanganyi.

When did Mshoza die?

Mshoza died on 19 November 2020 in Johannesburg, from diabetes-related complications.

Also known as:
Queen of Kwaito
Real name:
Nomasonto Maswanganyi
Occupation:
Kwaito Singer
Age:
Died 2020 (aged 37)
Star sign:
Capricorn
Nationality:
South African
Birth place:
Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
Height:
N/A
Children:
Two children
Net Worth:
Undisclosed