Mahotella Queens

Formed by producer Rupert Bopape in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1964, the Mahotella Queens is a mbaqanga vocal group. Originally envisioned as a male and female ensemble, Rupert Bopape opted for a strictly female line-up comprised of Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu, and Mildred Mangxola. The Mahotella Queens would provide vocals on a series of recordings by Bopape, often released under various pseudonyms. The trio then joined forces with male vocalist Simon ‘Mahlathini’ Nkabinde and achieved their first success in their homeland with the single "Thoro ujola nobani". However, it was the Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens’ single "Kazet" that brought them international attention. The song was later covered by Lizzy Mercier Descloux under the title "Où sont passées les gazelles ?" Disagreements with Rupert Bopape led to the dissolution of the Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens in 1972. While Mahlathini pursued a solo career, the trio continued as the Mahotella Queens. Thanks to their international tours, they contribute to the blossoming of the mbaqanga genre. The group has continued to evolve through the years with only Hilda Tloubatla remaining from the original line-up. Their vast discography consists of nearly fifty albums including Meet the Mahotella Queens (1966), Izibani Zomgqashiyo (1971), Ezesimanje (1982), Marriage Is a Problem (1991), Women of the World (1993), and Reign & Shine (2006). The Mahotella Queens continue to tour and record. Original member Nobesuthu Mbadu, died on August 21, 2021, at the age of 76.

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