Mkhonzeni Langa, better known by his stage name Professor, is a South African Kwaito musician from Durban. He first gained recognition as part of the Kwaito duo Tzozo and Professor before launching a successful solo career that left a lasting impact on the South African music industry.

Professor became widely known for hit songs such as “Jezebel,” “Imoto,” “Lento,” “Fingerprints,” “Speaker,” and “Unobenga.” He signed with Kalawa Jazmee Records and released his debut solo album, University of Kalawa Jazmee (2010), which earned him his first Best Kwaito Album award.

Professor’s Age and Place of Birth

Professor was born on 27 March 1978 in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Though born in Port Shepstone, his roots trace back to Umlazi, Durban. In 2025, he will be 47 years old.

Career

Professor, born Mkhonzeni Langa, was discovered in 1995 by South African music producers Lindelani Mkhize (of Joyous Celebration) and Spikiri (Mandla Mofokeng) of Trompies while performing. In 1996, he moved to Johannesburg to pursue a music career at a time when Kwaito was reaching its peak, with artists like Arthur Mafokate and Mdu Masilela dominating the genre.

Rise to Fame with Tzozo & Professor

In 2003, Professor was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records by Oskido and Spikiri. He was paired with established Kwaito artist Tzozo, forming the duo Tzozo & Professor. Together, they helped pioneer Durban Kwaito Music, a subgenre of Kwaito. The duo released three albums:

• Woze Durban
• Amantombazane
• Magazine

Solo Career 

In 2010, Professor launched his solo career under Kalawa Jazmee Records, releasing his debut album University of Kalawa Jazmee. The album went triple platinum, selling 120,000 copies, and featured hit songs like:

• “Jezebel” – a chart-topping hit
• “Jimaphi le Weight”
• “Imoto”
• “Lento”

At the 2010 Metro FM Music Awards, the album was nominated for Best Kwaito Album, Song of the Year (“Jezebel”), and Best Collaboration. He won Best Kwaito Album and Song of the Year. It also won Best Kwaito Album at the 2015 South African Music Awards (SAMA 21).

In 2012, he released his second solo album, Orientation, which featured singles:

• “Baphi”
• “One Night Stand”
• “Ntombazam”
• “I Wish”

The album included collaborations with Magesh, Speedy, AKA, Zakwe, Ishmael, Stoan, Stax, and Zola. The song “Fingerprints”, featuring his brother Character and producer Oskido, became a fan favorite. The album won Best Kwaito Album and Professor was named Best Male Artist at the 12th Annual Metro FM Music Awards.

Later Career

• 2015: Released “Nguye Lona”, featuring Sdudla no Mathousand & Heavy-K.
• 2015: Featured on “KOTW Anthem” by Sphectacula & DJ Naves.
• 2017: Collaborated with Sandra Ndebele on “Lizwile”, which debuted at #22 on the iTunes Top 200 Tracks (Australia, World Music).
• 2022: Released “Ezangakini”, featuring Shwi and Sun-El Musician.

Professor remains one of South Africa’s most influential Kwaito artists, blending traditional Kwaito sounds with modern influences.

Controversies

In February 2013, Professor attended the 12th Metro FM Music Awards at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, wearing a Durban Metro Police uniform. This sparked controversy, as the Durban Metro Police spokesman, Eugene Msomi, stated that wearing the uniform without authorization was a criminal offense under the SAPS Act.

It was later revealed that the uniform belonged to Professor’s cousin, who was a member of the force. Professor admitted to taking the uniform without his cousin’s knowledge and later contacted the Durban Metro Police to give a statement regarding the incident.

As a result, he was charged with impersonating a police officer, possession of a police uniform, and wearing a police uniform without authorization. He appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court, where he was found guilty of violating the SAPS Act of 1995, which prohibits unauthorized individuals from wearing police uniforms.

The court sentenced him to a fine of R3,000 (US$202.98) or one month in prison. However, half of the penalty was conditionally suspended for three years, meaning he would only have to pay the full amount if he committed a similar offense within that period.

Discography

Albums

1991 – Pop-rap

2010 – University of Kalawa Jazmee

2012 – Jezebel: Imoto Remixes

2012 – The Orientation

2014 – University of Kalawa Jazmee Since 1994

2018 – Composed by Jesus Christ

2019 – Journey

2025 – Mkhonzeni

Single

2024 – Khalifath Dawasak

2024 – STHANDWA SAM

2024 – Jhanjer

2024 – Mfi

2024 – Amakhad bokisi

2025 – Helpless

2025 – Delusionary

2025 – Bewafa