Phinda Mtya-Matlala was born on October 10, 1967, in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. She is an Afro-jazz singer, producer, composer, writer, and actress whose music is a rich infusion of gospel, Afropop, and blues. Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most talented, decorated, and creatively gifted female artists, Mtya-Matlala’s work carries a depth and excellence that far outweighs her public recognition.
Growing up as the middle child of Khayakhulu and Phelokazi Mtya, Phinda was raised in a close-knit, deeply musical family. With a grandmother who sang and played piano, a mother who was a singer, and an older brother who was a prolific vocalist and pianist, music was her first language and greatest influence.
From singing on top of tables with a spoon as her microphone at the age of five to representing South Africa on international stages by the age of twenty, Phinda Mtya-Matlala’s voice has been her constant. In 1997, she joined Mahube, the acclaimed Southern African group featuring Oliver Mtukudzi and Steve Dyer, touring Europe and beyond while expanding her artistic craft. She returned to South Africa in 2000 and took on the leading role of Rafiki in The Lion King, also co-writing the soundtrack “Long Night’s Walk Into Day” with Lebo M.
In 2002, Phinda Mtya-Matlala and Mahube partnered with Bono on a global project producing a Third World debt alleviation album focused on Africa. In 2005, she co-wrote and performed on “God Is African,” the soundtrack from Gavin Hood’s Academy Award–winning film Tsotsi. She closed out 2006 with a performance at Oprah Winfrey’s New Year’s Eve celebration held at Sun City.
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In the same year, Phinda released her debut album Yithi Paha, which earned her first SAMA award for Best Adult Contemporary Album in 2007. She followed up with a second album, and her third, Heaven Can Wait, offered solace through hardship while gaining her a devoted new audience. Released under her own label, Matlala Music, the album is a heartfelt musical journey showcasing her melodies and storytelling. Her latest and arguably strongest offering, Kgoloko, continues to cement her place in South African music. Matlala remains dedicated to growing her brand and sharing her artistry with the world, with performances that have garnered SAMA nominations, SATMA, ECMA, and SAAFMA recognition, as well as consecutive appearances at the African First Wives Dinner hosted by former First Lady Zanele Mbeki.
