Nontobeko Thandeka Ngema

Thandeka Nontobeko Ngema (born 16 December 1994), professionally known as MaWhoo, is a South African singer-songwriter, and model. She got wide recognition after releasing her debut single "Umshado" featuring Heavy-K.

Ngema has also appeared in several music videos, including acting in cameo roles. She has also modeled for brands in and outside of South Africa. She has also worked for Tribe Afrique, House of Supreme, and Convoy Clothing South Africa. She has collaborated with the likes of DJ Maphorisa, Master KG, Tsisto, Kabza De Small and Vigro Deep.

Apart from her home country, Ngema has performed in African countries such as Botswana, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Background

Early life Thandeka Nontobeko Ngema was born on 16 December 1994 in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She started her music career at a young age. When she was eleven years old, she took her recorded song to a local radio station for air play, but was refused for being too young.

Stage names In an interview, she shared that her stage name means "magical" in Japanese language. She reasoned that the name came up with Okmalumkoolcat.

Education Ngema has a degree obtained from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Career Her single "Bengicela" with GL_Ceekay, Thukuthela featuring Jazzworx was released June 13, 2025. It reached number one on Apple Music all-genres charts, trending song on YouTube, viral song on Shazam and number 5 on Spotify top songs charts respectively. Discography Studio albums What a Time to Be Alive (2022) The Chosen (2023) The Sound of Magic (2024) Amazwi Okubonga (2025) Guest appearances TitleYearOther artist(s)Album"Crazy of Me"2026TylaA*Pop

Singles As lead artist

As featured artist + List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumZA "Moya Wami" (Oscar Mbo featuring MaWhoo) 2020 —GoldFor the Groovists "Bambelela" (Caltonic SA featuring Sje Konka, MaWhoo, Thabz Le Madonga) — "Uqobo Lwami" (DJ Fanzy featuring MaWhoo) 2021 — "Indoda Nge Card" (DJ Moscow, Deepsen, Eddie The Vocalist feat. DJ Moscow, MaWhoo)2022 — "Khumbul' Ekhaya" (Knowley-D featuring Busta 929, MaWhoo) — "Dali Wam" (Pabi Cooper, Yumbs featuring MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter)2023 — "Isthutha" (Inkinga Abangan Bam)" (Sam Deep, De Mthuda featuring Mawhoo, Mkeyz) — "Ungiphethe Kahle" (Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa featuring Nokwazi, MaWhoo, Mashudu & LeeArt) — "Noma Kanjani" (Sino Msolo featuring Kabza De Small, MaWhoo, Azana) — "Uthando" (The Groovist featuring MaWhoo) — "Zibonakalise" (HKs featuring MaWhoo) — "Wena My Dali" (Focalistic featuring Ch'cco, MaWhoo, EeQue, Thama Tee) — "Impilo" (Marlode & Owams featuring 2woBunnies, MaWhoo, Leandra.Vert, Toby Franco, Gilano, Sponge 101) — "Kutsa" (DJ Sliqe featuring Yanga Chief, MaWhoo, 2woshort, Makwa) — "Ungithandile" (Baby Momo featuring MaWhoo, Ceenday, Jay Sax, Shino Kikai, DJ 2K) 2024 — "Ngifa Nawe" (MFR Souls, Kabza De Small featuring MaWhoo, Bassie, T-Man SA, Shane907) — "Amabhoza" (Aymos, Mas Musiq featuring MaWhoo) — Impilo "Ematshwaleni" (Kususa, Anatti featuring MaWhoo, Noxolo Ngema, King Deetoy) — "Injabulo" (Lily Faith featuring Theo Kgosinkwe, X-Wise, Oskido, MaWhoo) — "Gucci" (Mthandeni SK, featuring MaWhoo)1 "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted and certified songs + List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumZA"Kulula" (Mawhoo, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small) 2022—Gold What a Time to Be Alive "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Personal life There were reports that Ngema is dating Hlubi Nkosi. The couple had been reported exchanging gifts.

Achievements Basadi in Music Awards

Artist of the Year

Amapiano Artist of the Year

Best Female Feature of the Year

Highest Airplay

Collaboration of the Year Feather Awards

Musician of the Year

Best Styled Individual