‘I felt welcomed’: Zimbabwean rapper marries into Zulu royal heartland

Zimbabwean rapper Awa Khiwe has married a Qwabe man from KwaNongoma in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, marking not just a union of love, but a powerful moment of cultural fusion.

The intimate traditional wedding, held recently in KwaZulu-Natal, celebrated African heritage and cross-border unity.

Born Awakhiwe Sibanda, the musician expresses fierce pride in her Ndebele roots as a rapper.

Awa Khiwe welcomed in KZN

“I felt welcomed,” she said in an exclusive interview with The South African.

Referring to her Ndebele roots Awa Khiwe said: “They call me umzukulu kaMashobane (the grand daughter of Mashobane). I think once you show people respect, they know you were raised well. Where you come from becomes a secondary issue.”

Despite cultural similarities, Awa Khiwe revealed that her upbringing in a Zimbabwean village in Nkayi prepared her for life in KwaNongoma.

“Being raised in the village helped me shape my cultural identity. The KwaNongoma lifestyle is similar to to the one of Nkayi… it’s not a huge adjustment.”

Where Ndebele and Zulu cultures meet

Awa Khiwe, renowned for championing Ndebele pride on global stages, has opened up about embracing a more traditional role in her personal life.

Now living in a new home, the outspoken rapper revealed that while many know her as a fierce and fearless queen, she proudly takes on the role of being a loved,spoiled and submissive wife to her Zulu husband.

Speaking candidly, she said she respects both Zulu and Ndebele cultures, describing the union as a beautiful exchange rather than a clash.

Awa said her open-mindedness allows her to find strength in unity and mutual respect, rather than division, even in deeply rooted cultural differences.

Awa Khiwe’s Wedding: Rooted in tradition, not promotion

While fans speculated that new music inspired by the wedding might be on the way, Awa was quick to set the record straight:

“I have new music, but it has nothing to do with the wedding,” she said. “I juggle music and family, I’m old enough to handle the situation.”

Her husband, a Qwabe man involved in the construction industry, has been in her life for years. The two met through a mutual friend, Macingwana, and nurtured their relationship quietly before tying the knot in a ceremony that honoured both families.

On social media, she called it “the best day of my life…” and added in a heartfelt tribute:

“Thank you for keeping your promise, my love. I promise to love, honour, respect and protect you, till death do us part.”

How important is cultural respect in relationships?

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