Phinda Mtya-Matlala was born October 10, 1967 in Port Elizabeth, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province) is an afro-jazz singer, producer, composer, writer and actress who’s music is an infusion of gospel, afro-pop and blues.
Being the middle child between two siblings of Khayakhulu and Phelokazi Mtya, she grew up in a close-knit musical family. Her parents were intrinsically involved in music and they passed that passion on to their children. Her grandmother was a singer and pianist with her mother being a singer in her own right, and her older brother was also a prolific singer and a pianist – she drew her inspiration and was highly influenced by them. In 2002, she and her group Mahube, partnered with Bono to produce the third world debt alleviation album aimed at Africa. In 2005,