Winner of the 2000 WOMEX Award, this female vocal trio, still comprised of Nobesthutu Mbada, Hilda Tloubatla and Mildred Mangxola, have exerted enormous influence on the musical life of South Africa since forming in 1964.
Mahotella Queens began as the backing group for the male singer Mahlathini, but the group has also performed as an independent trio since the beginning. They were hugely popular in Soweto in the 1960s, performing in up to 3 concerts a day. The Queen's singing style is called mbaqanga and is a mixture of traditional Zulu music, gospel, and modern electrified rhythm with a sprinkling of American soul. Everything is undertaken with sparkling enthusiasm and lively choreography.
From 1970 to 1975 the group took a break when the members married and had children. But during the 1970s and 80s they were at it again and performed in several music festivals in France and other locations, and made a world tour in 1990-91. Since the group formed they have released over 20 albums. Mahotella Queens have been part of the South African anti-apartheid movement right from the start, and for their songs - mainly written by the members - they have taken themes from daily life in Soweto.One of their best known songs, “Kazet", deals with how the apartheid authority raided homes in a township with a bulldozer in order to drive away the inhabitants. Both the music - and social life - has gone through massive changes since Mahotella Queens formed, but the group have managed to maintain their power and vitality and have reinvented themselves without losing contact with their roots.