After 60 years, still the Indestructible Beat of Soweto!

One of the most iconic names in South African music, the Mahotella Queens have been bringing the joyful power of mbaqanga—a style born from township harmonies and vibrant rhythms—to global audiences since 1964. Known for their soaring vocal blend, expressive dance, and infectious spirit, the Queens became national stars in the 1960s and ’70s, defining the sound of an era.

In the 1980s, rising global interest in South African music helped open the world stage to mbaqanga. The Mahotella Queens seized the moment, becoming international ambassadors for the genre and performing at major festivals including Glastonbury, WOMAD, Montreux, and New Orleans Jazz Fest. Under the leadership of original member Hilda Tloubatla, the group continues to evolve—now joined by a dynamic new generation keeping tradition alive with electrifying energy.

Returning to Japan after nearly 20 years—and celebrating their 60th anniversary—they invite audiences to move, sing, and share in the timeless heartbeat of South Africa.