Mzi SA

Bhekumzi Songxishe, professionally known as Mzi SA, was born on the 15th of April 1996 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg. He hails from Tsomo (KwaNtsume) and was raised in Komani (Mlungisi Location). A multifaceted and gifted creative, Mzi SA is an exceptional Afro-Pop and Soul musician, as well as a talented vocalist, poet, and actor. Beyond his artistry, he has made it his mission to cultivate and mentor emerging talent in the Queenstown area (Chris Hani District) by organizing community-based music and drama events aimed at promoting active engagement in the arts.

Mzi SA’s passion for the arts began in his formative years in rural Eastern Cape. His love for music was sparked by the sound of a guitar, and what initially started as playful gatherings with friends—singing traditional songs and dancing—evolved into a serious pursuit. He later became a soloist in his school choir and participated in numerous school competitions.

His talent did not go unnoticed. Officials from the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture recognized his potential and provided him with platforms to showcase his abilities. During one such event, he was discovered by the director of the film Mabona, who cast him in the production. Since then, Mzi SA has shared stages with renowned South African artists and performed at various prestigious events.

One of his significant early career milestones was participating in a competition hosted by ECAVC Records (Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre), where he was ranked among the top six out of fifty finalists. As a result, he recorded a single and performed at the esteemed National Arts Festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown).

He later took part in the nationally broadcasted talent show SHOWVILLE on SABC 2, gaining nationwide recognition. Mzi SA has since performed on prominent stages across South Africa, including:

Macufe Festival

Zingce Arts Festival

Chris Hani Jazz Festival

Tenza Beach Front

Umtiza Arts Festival

Izwi Leembongi Festival

Udaba Dance Festival

In addition to his personal artistic journey, Mzi SA is a dedicated arts educator. He has worked extensively with schools in the Chris Hani District—such as Kwa-Komani Comprehensive School, Thembelihle Primary School, Lukhanji Primary School, and Exhibeni Primary School in Engcobo—training students in music, performance, and arts-related subjects, where many of his students have excelled.

His talent and leadership in the arts earned him an invitation to join the Eastern Cape Ensemble, a collective of artists selected from across the province to represent and promote diverse art forms and cultures. While performing at the Grahamstown Festival, he was noticed by the founder of Ikusasa Arts Development and cast in the production ZAZI, which toured across the Eastern Cape. He was subsequently involved in another production, UMZILA, where he was entrusted with composing original music for the performance.

Mzi SA was later invited again by ECAVC Records to record another single and was also a featured performer at the prestigious University of Fort Hare Gala Dinner, where he received high acclaim.

In 2025, Mzi SA released his debut official single...