Asanda Mqiki

Asanda Mqiki is an award-winning vocalist and composer who has wowed audiences from Sweden to Australia, and all around South Africa. Coming from the strong choral tradition of the Eastern Cape, Asanda studied at the National School of the Arts before launching her professional career in 2000.

She has become a highly respected voice, with her signature musical style that brings together soul, jazz, R&B and even a touch of kwaito. Her powerfully emotive voice captivates audiences whilst her warmth and quirky asides between songs are often cause for smiles.​

​Asanda has shared the stage and/or collaborated with artists such as the legendary Sibongile Khumalo, Freshlyground, platinum-selling a cappella group The Soil, Chinese Jazz star Coco Zhao, Khaya Mahlangu, Bongesiwe Mabandla, Putuma Tiso & Berita.

She has performed at festivals across South Africa including the Joy of Jazz, International Jazz Day at Alliance Françoise and on multiple occasions at the National Arts Festival. She was the only African artist selected to perform at the inaugural LoveBusk online festival, organised out of Australia and has twice been invited and performed at the Gothenberg Culture Festival in Sweden. She has also successfully toured to Mozambique, performing at the CCFM and other venues to standing ovations.

In 2020 Asanda ventured into radio, hosting The Basement Jam music show, in partnership with Bay FM and SCORE energy drink.

Asanda has won multiple awards for her live performance including at the National Arts Festival where she won a Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award, the highest honour for an artist, in 2015. In 2022 she took home a Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award for her Vocal Explosion concert series AMAZING GRACE; and a Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award for INTLOMBE, of which she was the Musical Director and co-founder. In 2016, she won the Best Individual Performer of the Year at the Eastern Cape MEC Awards.

​Asanda released her first album, Nobakithi, in 2018, to rave reviews such as this one from The Weekend Special. In 2023, she featured on the soundtrack for Shaka iLembe, along with artists such as Mbuso Khoza, Vusi Nova and Ishmeal.