LIFESTYLE SHOW: SBU "MALAWYER" NTHSANGASE-KWAITO PIONEER

In this episode, Sbu Malawyer shares his remarkable journey in the South African music industry, beginning in the late 1980s when he met Arthur Mafokate , the host,at Blue Street Studios, a space run by pioneering sound engineer Mrs Julia Mabika. He recalls calling Arthur "Zuvuzela" and how they crossed paths again at Carlton Centre, during a time when Arthur was actively pushing kwaito music while living in a caravan.

Sbu talks about leaving Blue Street to finish high school in Durban, returning to Johannesburg to study, and visiting 999 Studios to buy Arthur’s music to resell. He remembers Arthur's American-inspired dress sense and the early days of hustle.

His journey took a new turn through connections with Lindelani and his involvement in a Durban band, Ijama. He was later cast in Street Sisters alongside talents like Desmond Dube and Menzi Ngubane. A cancelled theatre run led him to Chico Twala, through whom he met Mdu Masilela during rehearsals at Mega Music Studios. This connection birthed his role as backing vocalist in the Tsikitsiki album and later the formation of the group Mashamplani, alongside Mdu, Magesh, and Pro.

Sbu opens up about the challenges within Mashamplani, especially around miscommunication regarding performance payments, which ultimately led to his exit from the group and the origin of his stage name “Amalawyer”.

He later sought a solo career, recording a demo, with Mbongeni Ngema before signing with Polygraph Records, where Eugene Mthethwa supported him in completing the album, called, Amalawyer. Ironically, he ended up recording at CSR Studios, where Mashamplani was born.

He also shares his excitement about celebrating *25 years in the music industry, with a special anniversary event on **2 August 2025, marking **30 years of Kwaito music*.

Don’t miss this powerful story of resilience, music, and memories.
Tune in : Wednesday, 30 July 2025 at 7 PM
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