Simphiwe Dana – Biography, Real Name, Age and Career
Simphiwe Dana (born 23 January 1980) is a South African singer and songwriter who primarily sings in Xhosa. She is recognized for using her music as a platform for social and political commentary. Dana began her music career in 2002 at the age of 22.
She was born in Butterworth and grew up in Lusikisiki, Transkei. After signing with Gallo Records, she released her debut album Zandisile in 2004. The album was a commercial success and earned her awards for Best Newcomer and Best Jazz Album.
Early Life
Simphiwe Dana was born on January 23, 1980, in Gcuwa, South Africa. She was raised by her parents and grew up with her siblings, whose information is not publicly known. She attended Vela Private School in Mthatha and graduated in 1997. She later studied for a National Diploma in Information Technology at Wits Technikon in Johannesburg. Dana is of South African ethnicity and practices Christianity.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Simphiwe Dana |
| Date of Birth | 23 January, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Butterworth, Transkei, Gcuwa, South Africa |
| Origin | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Age | 45 years old in 2025 |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Genre | Jazz, Afro-soul and Traditional Music |
| Patner | Pumeza Matshikiza (ex) |
| Children | Zazi |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @simphiwedana | |
| Website | SimphiweDana |
Career
After signing with Gallo Records, Simphiwe Dana released her debut album Zandisile in 2004. The album performed well commercially and earned multiple awards, including Best Newcomer and Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2005 South African Music Awards. It also achieved international recognition, charting on Billboard and earning her an AVO Session Basel Award. In 2007, she won Best Female Artist at the 13th South African Music Awards for her song “The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street.”
On July 9, 2010, her third studio album Kulture Noir was released and earned her two Metro FM Music Awards for Best Contemporary Jazz and Best Female. On November 25, 2018, she performed at the Moncalieri Jazz Festival in Turin. She began working on her fourth studio album Firebrand in 2013 but delayed its release after leaving her previous label. In early 2014, she signed with Sony Music, and on October 21, 2015, Firebrand was released with four singles: “Killjoy”, “Roll Me Down”, “Masterpiece”, and “My Light.” Her fifth studio album Bamako was released on April 24, 2020.
Discography
Albums
2004 – Zandisile
2006 – The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street
2010 – Kulture Noir
2015 – Firebrand
2020 – Bamako
Singles
2020 – Uzokhala
2020 – Usikhonzile
2022 – Apple Music Home Session
Music Videos
2017 – Umthandazo Wase Afrika
2017 – Ndiredi (Live)
Live Albums
2011 – Live at the Lyric Theatre
2016 – Celebrating Ten Years Live at the Baseline
Compilations
2013 – The Singles
2015 – Grand Masters
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