Umzulu Phaqha

Umzulu Phaqa, born Sphiwe Moya in Thornville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is an acclaimed Afro-fusion artist known for her vibrant isiZulu storytelling and fusion of Afro-soul, Afro-pop, and house music. Her music bridges tradition and modernity, infusing contemporary sounds with the rich oral traditions of Zulu heritage she absorbed growing up in a rural community.

Her breakout single, “Mam’gobhozi”, showcases township slang and narrative lyricism, gaining viral traction on social media. Independently managing her releases, Umzulu emphasizes authenticity over commercial metrics, performing her compelling stories to audiences in intimate live experiences. She has collaborated on projects such as the album “And The Grammy Goes To” with Msfitcalled and contributed to the music of the film Ithonga (2025).

Influenced by both local and international artists including Bobby McFerrin, Richard Bona, and Zahara, she channels expressive performance, cultural depth, and storytelling into her music. Umzulu’s artistic vision centers on embedding Zulu heritage in contemporary music, making it resonate with younger generations while preserving cultural memory.

Fans can explore her music, upcoming shows, and collaborations through her website and streaming platforms, keeping up with her ever-evolving fusion sound that celebrates heritage, culture, and community