Biography
The Australian music scene is no stranger to Thndo (fka Thando). The widely loved Zimbabwean-born ‘First Lady of Soul and R&B’ has commanded massive crowds at festivals such as Bluesfest, WOMADelaide, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Groovin the Moo, Woodford Folk Festival, and more. Her sold out shows at Chapel off Chapel have stunned audiences to a point of standing ovation; rave reviews following in their wake. Every performance is a statement – a triumph of powerful lyricism, rich-ranged vocals and smooth backing instrumentation – turning onward the wheel of live music, show by show.
Thndo’s previous releases (Digital Love Letters, and Life in Colour) have woven stories of strength, openness and conflict, with those of love, empowerment, sensuality, and there is an unabashed honesty and charm in her creativity. Her 2025 album ‘Lessons in Love’ explores her reconnection to the stage and creating music, featuring previous released single ‘Fall, 4EVA, Along the Way, and Forward’ which have been heard on the airwaves across Australia.
Any die-heard music fan can resonate with her talent for strong structure, dragging in elements of TLC, Queen, LadySmith, Black Mambazo, and more to keep crowds fixated beyond the encore.
“Her persona on stage was radiating with soul and richness”- Isaac Liew, AU Review
“Winning plenty of fans with her captivating live performances”- Simon Clark, AU Review
“Sikwila is not just a prodigy of the jazz and soul styles, she is the embodiment of the genres’ most prolific spirits” – Joe Dolan, The Music
