South African vocal powerhouses Lwah Ndlunkulu and MaWhoo are stepping into a new chapter together as the Zulu Queens, with their debut collaborative album, “Isithembu,” scheduled for release on August 28, 2026.
On Isithembu, they combine those influences with Maskandi, bringing a fresh female perspective to a genre traditionally dominated by male artists.
The name Zulu Queens seemed reportedly given to the duo by Maskandi star Mthandeni SK, who played a role in inspiring their collaboration. Their partnership has since grown into a full-length project designed to explore the meeting point between traditional sounds and contemporary South African music.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail the album, they used the second recording process to refine the songs and strengthen the overall project.
The title Isithembu, which translates to polygamy, also became part of the duo’s playful identity during their promotional campaign. The artists jokingly referred to themselves as the “first wife” and “second wife” of the record.
With 14 tracks planned, Isithembu represents an ambitious step for the Zulu Queens and a notable moment for women pushing new boundaries within Maskandi. The album premieres globally on Friday, August 28, 2026.
