Where did South African music group Malaika disappear to?

Back in 2004, Malaika rocked the charts and gave Mzansi songs they could dance and sing along to as they ruled television and radio with their sound. The musical trio won numerous awards and was involved in many campaigns to give back to society and raise awareness of issues like HIV/AIDS. However, it has been over a decade since Malaika’s fans last heard from the group, and they are now wondering where the singers disappeared to.

How Malaika was formed

The group was formed in 2003 by three members Bongani Nchang, Matshediso Mjolo and Jabulani Ndaba. The trio met in a church choir while Matshediso was teaching drama and music at Mabana Cultural Centre, which is located in Mmabatho. They quickly went to work that same year and released their first album as a group called Malaika.

The trio’s Albums and Awards

The group released four albums during their time together. The first one was Malaika (2003), Vuthelani (2005), Sekunjalo (2007) and Mmatswale (2008). The song that is termed their signature song is Destiny which became the one they are best known for.



The group have more than nine awards to their name, from the prestigious SAMA Most popular artists and most popular song of the year to Channel O Music Video Awards.

Where did Malaika disappear to?

The group stopped making music in 2008 when one of their members died after he got ill. Jabulani Ndaba suffered from Tuberculosis in 2008 and died at Tshepong Hospital on Klerksdorp, which is when Malaika parted ways.

Bongani Nchang

After the group went their separate ways, Bongani continued to make music as a solo artist. He sings in churches at gospel concerts and even at his church at Alleluia Ministries International. Bongani recently released Wonders of Mercy, and his new album Wena Wedwa is coming soon.

Tshedi Mjolo

After leaving Malaika, she also set out to make her mark as a solo artist and performed live at shows and concerts. She also landed a role as a choirmaster for the region of Limpopo in Clash of the choirs season two.

However, Malaika has not entirely died down as they still perform together. The two existing members get booked for shows together and do performances, but they are not releasing new music.