Maline Aura has breathed new life into her anthem Mabebuza with three bold remixes, each offering a unique vibe. &Lelz brings extrovert energy, Atmos Blaq infuses optimism, and Mdu aka TRP approaches the track with meticulous care. But let’s rewind a little.

Thandolwethu Nkomo, better known as Maline Aura, is a singer born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal who has been making waves in the industry for years, collaborating with artists like Amanda Black, Sun-El Musician, Karyendasoul, and Zakes Bantwini.

Breaking into the industry wasn’t just a career move, it was personal. “I’m the first in my family to do this, though my dad and aunt influenced my love for music from a young age,” she shares with Nounouche. Maline even joined the school choir, quietly manifesting her future in music.

Her sound carries depth, not just in lyrics, but in a voice all her own. Drawing inspiration from South Africa’s musical giants, she explains, “I started surrounding myself with people into House music like Simmy, Ami Faku, Msaki, and The Soil, who played a huge role in hyping my sound.”

Authenticity is key for Maline. “People connect with my lyrics because they’re written from my experiences. I treat music as my journal, my diary,” she reflects.

Singing in vernacular is both a natural choice and a source of pride. A mix of Zulu and Xhosa, Maline finds that home languages allow for greater expression. “I’m very spiritual, so that’s my first instinct when I write. It’s also a tool for cultural preservation and education,” she says. For a global audience, sharing the meaning behind her lyrics offers the added joy of educating listeners about South African culture.

Now back to the remix package. Mabebuza, meaning “when they ask,” comes from her 5-track debut EP Maline (2022). Out of the five, this track stood out for its confidence-boosting energy, boss-lady vibe, and bold aura. “I felt like the song was slept on, even though the lyrics are so real and relatable,” she shares. “When I wrote it, I wasn’t as confident, but listening back reminded me of who I really am.” Beyond ego, the song celebrates a woman’s independence, connecting instantly with audiences.

Bringing the remix pack to life required a little coordination and favors from artists she knew personally. “Zakes connected me with &Lelz, and I asked Atmos Blaq and Mdu aka TRP. It wasn’t easy, but they squeezed me in despite their own projects,” she explains.

Versatility is a hallmark of the project. “With the Mdu remix, people actually thought it was the original,” Maline laughs.

Collaboration is key to her creative process. Working with Mayonie Productions, founded by Zakes Bantwini, has been a dream. “It feels like home. Sometimes I even forget it’s a professional environment with contracts,” she shares. The team’s support allows her to stay authentic and free in her artistry.

For Maline, Mabebuza is more than a song, it’s a statement. From timid choir girl to bold Afro House voice, she’s proving that confidence, like her music, can be remixed, reimagined, and reborn.