uShuni Womhlaba is more than just a singing and music competition on SABC 1; it’s a celebration of South African culture and a platform for discovering raw talent in the country’s diverse musical landscape.
Launched in 2024, the show set out to unearth the next generation of musicians who embody the rich sounds of genres such as Maskandi, uMbhaqanga, Isicathamiya, Afro-pop, and other traditional folk styles from across Mzansi. Over the course of 16 weeks, uShuni Womhlaba brought to life an unparalleled journey, showcasing the heart and soul of South African music.
Season 1 of uShuni Womhlaba kicked off with auditions across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as online entries from across the nation. This inclusive approach attracted a diverse pool of talent, each contestant bringing their own unique background and story to the stage. The regional auditions set the tone for a thrilling season, with the judges selecting the most promising young voices to move on to the competition.
As the competition progressed, uShuni Womhlaba’s stage became a canvas for artistic expression and cultural celebration. Each themed episode presented new challenges and opportunities for the contestants to showcase their versatility and growth.
From Disco Fusion Night to Legends Night, the performances allowed contestants to pay homage to iconic South African music while infusing their own modern twist. The Genre Mash-up episode, which featured grand duets with legendary artists, stood out as a highlight, merging sounds from different eras to create fresh, captivating renditions that resonated with Mzansi.
The show’s unique format encourages contestants to explore the music they want to bring to the world, letting their cultural backgrounds shine through as they craft their distinct uShuni sound. This journey of artistic discovery empowers contestants not only to compete but to envision themselves as future recording artists who will shape the South African music scene.
The format saw contestants placed in Blue and Yellow Zones based on their performances, adding to the tension as they competed to remain in the game. At each stage, eliminations loomed, with some emerging as fan favorites, while others had to bid the competition farewell. As the season drew to a close, the show transitioned into its most intense phase—the semi-finals—where the Top 4 contestants performed alongside music legends, pushing their artistry to new heights.
WINNER OF SEASON ONE – Thandikhaya Magayiyana, aka Joliza Bhacasoul
In a spectacular season finale, Thandikhaya Magayiyana, better known as Joliza Bhacasoul, was announced as the winner of uShuni Womhlaba Season 1, claiming the grand prize and earning his place in South Africa’s musical spotlight.
Broadcasting LIVE on SABC 1, the season finale of uShuni Womhlaba was a jaw-dropping, star-studded spectacle that kept viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The show was filled with electrifying performances, captivating stage visuals, and melodies that caused goosebumps.
The atmosphere erupted with emotion and celebration, when the Joliza Bhacasoul was finally announced, bringing a climatic end to a fierce competition.
Joliza’s journey has been one of passion, cultural expression, and commitment to staying true to his roots. His distinctive sound and heartfelt performances made him a standout contestant, and tonight, he emerged victorious as the first-ever uShuni Womhlaba champion.
Joliza Bhacasoul hails from Eastern Cape, where his love for traditional music began at a young age. His performances throughout the competition demonstrated his deep connection to South African folk music, often paying homage to legends who paved the way before him. Joliza’s commitment to keeping traditional sounds alive while adding his personal touch made him a crowd favourite and propelled him to the final stage.
