SABC1's Afro-fushion talent competition uShuni Womhlaba wrapped on Sunday night (20 October) with a win by Thandikhaya Magayiyana, stage name: Joliza Bhacasoul.
The show premiered on 7 July with 40 aspiring singers and the finale came down to three:
1st with a prize of R500,000 and a recording deal with Gallo Records: Joliza.
In 2nd place and now R300,000 richer:
Maskandi and Afro-pop muso Lindo Jay Music, real name: Lindokuhle Mthimunye.
In 3rd with R200,000:
Mthobisi Gudazi a.k.a. Gudaazi.
Here's a double whammy EP... the first features album notes and the second is Joliza's EP titled Bhaca Soul Experience which he released in May 2023:
Album notes
1. Joliza's from Gqeberha and he's a bus driver at Heatherbank Primary School. He has this to say about his win:
"This is a dream come true, I am so grateful for this opportunity to share my music with South Africa.
I will continue to honour our musical heritage and make my mark as an artist.
This might just be the end of my career as a school bus driver as I embark on my journey as a professional musician.”
2. Bhacasoul refers to his Bhaca heritage and his music is described as Mbhaqanga, traditional, South African folk.
His family is from Emawusheni village which was originally inhabited by a tribe known as Amawushe in KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) in the former Transkei.
3. He's been nominated for a 2024 SAMA Award in the category Newcomer of the Year.
The only problem is he's up against tantalising Tyla with a tummy ring. Shem.
These are the category nominees:
Newcomer of the Year
Joliza - Bhacasoul Experience EP
Sykes - Most Wanted
Lwah Ndlunkulu - Imizwa
Tyla - Tyla
Die Piesangskille and Johan Balt - Almal Gly
Bhaca Soul Experience EP
Here's a link to his EP on YouTube music:
Tap here
And on other platforms:
On Spotify, Apple Music etc