Candy Mokwena, better known as Candy “Tsa-Mandebele” in the music circles, she was born at a place called Ga-Sedibeng in Bolobedu outside Tzaneen (Limpopo). She is a South African singer and a dancer popularly known for the hit song “Tsa Mandebele” which won Metro FM song of the year in 2013, featuring the South African House Music legend and the Co-Founder of Kalawa Jazzmee – Oskido.
Candy started singing in the 80’s and she has worked with Xitsonga Disco Legend Penny Penny. She’s from a group called “Shaka Bundu Girls” (a group which she was a lead vocalist together with Nurse Matlala who has also pursued a solo career as a Xitsonga Traditional Musician). She also worked with the late Peter Teanet, Kabelo Mabalane, Ringo Madlingozi, Oskido and Mzilikazi Wa Afrika amongst others.
Her achievements includes winning Munghana Lonene FM Music Awards, 2009 SATMA Award for best Sepedi album & Best Alternative SAMA nomination, winning song of the year in 2013 with the song “Tsa Mandebele” and 2015 Fame SA Awards in Limpopo for the Best Female Artist just to mention a few.
The Afro-Soul songstress aims to prove that this December belongs to Limpopo with her yet-to-be-released album ‘Hupenyu Unenge Viri’ which features Dominion “Nonny D” Ebene (Nigeria) on ‘Siku Ne Siku’, Rhythm City actress Itumeleng Bokaba, Xitsonga rapper Sho Madjozi and Xitsonga Traditional music sensation Benny Mayengani.
Candy is well-known for singing in Khelobedu, the same language that King Monada sings in. Festivities will be about Khelobedu, Monada has set the world alight with his festive blockbuster song ‘Malwedhe’ that had already been touted as the song of the year.
This will be Candy’s third versatile studio album after the success of “Siki” which was released in 2009 and “Easy Come Easy Go” which followed in 2016. The following album titled ‘Hupenyu Unenge Viri’ contains 11 tracks, we are promised good music for the soul and it will be released this November.
If you are a House Music fan, you won’t forget the voice behind songs such as “Ama huwelele” with Mzilikazi Wa Afrika because the song was well received by the masses worldwide with a remix by a well known international producer/dick jockey Manoo (France). Candy’s voice can be heard on Oskido’s hit song “Tsa Mandebele”; Kabelo Mabalane’s “Baby na Fire” from the album “Immortal Vol. 3”, featuring with Calvin; writer/feature on Unathi’s “Enkosi” from the album “Alive”; and feature/writer of Steve Group’s “Swi lo yini” amongst others.
