Mathunzi Mcdonald is an introverted, inquisitive, and deeply curious individual. The woman who is proud to be Black African lets that pure curiosity guide her into the creative and storytelling spaces where she feels most artistically connected. “It is from that spirit of exploration that my work as a creative mutihyphanate truly comes to life”, she told Jazz It Out.

A writer, producer, actress and musician; she has built a career defined by interdisciplinary storytelling, artistic integrity, and cultural rootedness. Born in the coal mining city of Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, she was raised in a musically rich Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) environment. Her early exposure to Gospel, Jazz and the stage, alongside film marathons with her father and time spent in SABC studios with her uncle, ignited her creative spark.

Mathunzi was exposed to a very strong musical influence. “The SDA environment opened so many musical pathways for me. I was particularly fascinated by the global reach of Andrews University, an SDA institution known for its powerful choral tradition and strong music programme”, she said. That exposure deepened her connection to Gospel music and, over time, introduced her to Jazz through some of the SDA musicians and groups she encountered.

Mathunzi Mcdonald. Picture by Skinny Gallery

Her creative spark landed her the role of Nancy in a theatre production “Oliver Twist” in 2003, and began modelling, working in promotions and honing her writing skills at the age of 14. By the time she was 19, she was within writing poetry, blogs, and copywriting professionally. Mathunzi also landed the role of Bongi in TV series “My Perfect Family”. She did not struggle in creating a balance between acting and her academic work. “I loved acting so much that it naturally integrated into my daily schedule and gave me the discipline in my academic work”, she said.

In 2010, she took a bold decision, moved to Johannesburg for educational purposes. “I had to be a big girl and moved by myself”, she recalls. It was a very brave decision for a young woman of her age which came with many lessons that shaped who she is today and continue to influence her decision making. She loved Neo-Soul and R&B. “Artists like The Fugees and the late D’Angelo were some of my favourites. I also had a stint with Kwaito, and that love grew stronger as I grew older”, going down memory lane.

After obtaining matric, she enrolled at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). While studying at TUT, she did corporate gigs that became the early backbone of her live performance journey. One of her performances that brings fond memories was opening for Nduduzo Makhathini at a programme hosted by the South African State Theatre. She obtained a National Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music at TUT in 2014.

A creative multihyphanate. Picture by Skinny Gallery

In 2018, she completed a qualification in Early Childhood Development (ECD) with a Montessori focus. One of the reasons for enrolment in ECD was that she felt naturally drawn to a field connected to children and developmental growth. “I have always been fascinated by the relationship between who we are as children and the adults we eventually become”, she said. The qualification felt like a meaningful way to explore that relationship while contributing to the wellbeing of young children.

Mathunzi has done several collaborations which show her versatility as a creative. In 2024, she released “Inhliziyo”, a collaboration with rapper and soul artist Kabomo. That same year, she released “Gugu”, a Jazz-influenced single reflecting themes of home, identity, and belonging, highlighting her strength in combining narrative and melody through her background in theatre and Jazz. “Gugu” is rooted in friendships. She wrote it as a dedication to the friendships and connections built through her journey.

More recently, she released “Mosa” with her long-time collaborator, pianist and producer DiTeboho. Together, they form a conceptual duo called Reimagined, which naturally fosters creativity and collaboration. On 5 December 2025, they released “Medu Lyric’d” featuring poet Maz Dlamini. Both “Mosa” and “Medu” are introspective and spiritually grounded, carrying prayer-like messages and sentiments.

Passionate about creating a platform for fellow artists. Picture by Skinny Gallery

Beyond the stage, Mathunzi leads The Verse Productions, her own company specialising in music video production, event curation, and artist management. One of the reasons Verse was formed is that she reached a point where she was tired of waiting for opportunities that weren’t coming. “So I decided to create space for myself and others within the creative ecosystem”, she said. The Verse Productions is an extension of who she is as a multihyphanate creative. Under it, they have The Verse Music and Not So Serious, an event-curation company. It is a platform designed to open doors, build community, and create meaningful artistic experiences.

Her future plans include building a musical home, especially through The Verve Productions. “My vision is to create a space where creatives can help one another, collaborate, grow, and find support. I see myself contributing significantly to that ecosystem, whether through creating music, supporting the arts, or bringing new creative concepts to life”, she explained. Mathunzi loves travelling and trying new food. “I spend a lot of my time exploring new places and immersing myself in their culinary experiences. It’s my favourite way to unwind, learn and stay inspired”, she added.

Mathinzi’s favourite musicians are Ariel Zamonsky, Nduduzo Makhathini, Bokani Dyer, DiTeboho, Kurt Elling, Jacob Collier, Stevie Wonder and Bobby McFerrin. Her Facebook account is Mathunzi Mcdonald. Follow her on Instagram and Tik Tok @_mathunzi. Subscribe to her YouTube channel @mathunzimcdonald.