JOHANNESBURG, June 27, 2025|After capturing hearts with the emotionally charged “Uzizwa Kanjan,” MaWhoo returned on 13 June with a powerful follow-up, “Bengicela” a soul-stirring collaboration with GL_Ceejay, Thukuthela, and Jazzworx that’s making history across platforms and airwaves.
Upon release, “Bengicela” soared to #1 on the South African BMAT chart, topping both the weekly Top 200 Tracks (across all songs streamed in SA) and the Top 100 Local ZA Tracks (featuring at least one South African credited artist). The track also dominated digital platforms, reaching #1 on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Audiomack, and Shazam, a rare, all-platform sweep fueled entirely by organic support. To close off the week, “Bengicela” secured the #4 spot on the South African Radio Chart, firmly holding its place in the national top 5.
On TikTok, the song has inspired over 400,000 creations and generated more than 227 million views, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon. “Bengicela” has also surpassed 6 million all-time streams, affirming its place as one of the year’s biggest breakthrough moments in local music.
In a historic move, MaWhoo became the first female artist ever to replace herself at #1 on South Africa’s Spotify Daily Charts, with “Bengicela” dethroning her own “Uzizwa Kanjan.”
At its core, “Bengicela” is a conversation with the Divine. Carried by MaWhoo’s unmistakable vocals, the track channels a heartfelt plea for hope, guidance, and deliverance, echoing the silent prayers of many navigating life’s uncertainties. GL_Ceejay and Thukuthela add rich emotional depth and melodic sincerity, while Jazzworx’s emotive production blends amapiano’s evolving textures with a 3-Step rhythm that pulses with spiritual energy.
More than a song, “Bengicela” is a movement, a dancefloor prayer that ministers to both body and soul, and a reminder of MaWhoo’s growing legacy as one of South Africa’s most impactful voices.
“I’m deeply humbled by the love Bengicela has received,” shares MaWhoo. “To know that something so personal and prayerful is resonating with so many people means everything to me. Thank you to every single listener, creator, and supporter — this moment belongs to all of us.”
Born Thandeka Nontobeko Ngema in the small town of Eshowe, KwaZulu Natal, MaWhoo has never shied away from speaking her truth through song. First making waves with her breakout hit “Umshado” featuring Heavy-K, the singer-songwriter and model has since carved out a unique space defined by ethereal vocals and deeply introspective themes. With every note, she bridges the sacred and the sonic, and “Bengicela” is the latest offering in a catalogue that continues to uplift, inspire and shift culture.
TKTK Can exclude: “This song is my way of saying, ‘I see you. I feel what you’re going through. Let’s pray together.’” – MaWhoo
As her journey continues to evolve, one thing is clear: MaWhoo is not just creating hits, she’s crafting healing.
Bengicela is out now on all digital platforms,listen/stream here: https://africori.to/bengicela
Follow Mawhoo’s journey here: Instagram | Youtube | Spotify | Apple