She’s stepping into the booth
When South African media queen Pearl Thusi announced her new single Sodwa this week, fans did a double-take. Known for her presence on our screens as an actress, DJ, model, and media personality, she is now turning her spotlight on music—and not just any sound: she’s bridging modern vibes with traditional soul. On Instagram, she revealed that the song features legendary maskandi star Ihhashi Elimhlophe and the beat-maker DJ Melzi.
A song wrapped in memory and love
For Pearl, Sodwa is more than a debut single—it’s a tribute. She explained the track is dedicated to love in all its forms and especially to her late father. He grew up listening to Maskandi, Afro-pop, and township soul. Working with Ihhashi Elimhlophe felt right, she says. She chose him because of his authenticity and what his music represents: a deep nostalgic thread in Zulu and South African musical heritage. With his voice on the track, the memory of her father feels honoured.
Collaborating wasn’t simple. Pearl reached out to Ihhashi Elimhlophe’s wife with a set of songs and left it up to him to choose which one resonated. When he picked Sodwa, she admits she was moved to tears. It was clear this song would be more than a crossover—it would be a bridge between generations, between memory and new sound.
What this could mean for SA’s music scene
Pearl Thusi entering the music arena spotlights a growing trend among high-profile South African creatives expanding their craft beyond screens and social media. For a woman who’s been in fashion, television, and brand building, it could mark the start of a new cross-genre fusion wave: media-savvy stars with love for cultural roots stepping into sound creation.
With a Maskandi legend involved, Sodwa could help bring traditional South African music into contemporary playlists. It’s a chance to reintroduce maskandi to younger listeners who know Pearl for fashion or TV, not necessarily for indigenous music. If it works, this could encourage more collaborations that honour heritage while staying current.
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What listeners can expect
Pearl described Sodwa as familiar and comforting but also fresh. The melody draws from Afro-pop and township grooves, layered with maskandi authenticity. The lyrics celebrate love in many forms—not just romantic, but familial and spiritual. For her, the song is spiritual closure, a love letter to her parents, particularly her dad. That makes it deeply personal and potentially powerful if you listen with that in mind.
Depending on how it lands with the public, Sodwa could mark a turning point in Pearl’s career—from celeb-entrepreneur to music artist willing to dive into roots and emotion.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: News24
