South African vocalist Mandisa was born in Lusikisiki, in the rural Transkei. She left her home to relocate to Johannesburg where she started working with Gibson Kente, a well known South African playwright and director, singing, dancing and acting.

In the early 80’s she was part of a trio called Jaws which enjoyed great success on the SA music scene. Mandisa is also an accomplished session singer, having worked for artists such as Chicco, Stimela, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Brenda Fassie, Mercy Phakela and many others. It was in this capacity that she met Johnny Clegg in studio in 1986 and has been recording and touring with him ever since, which made her the longest serving member in Clegg's performing line-up. In demand at home in South Africa as a session singer, she has also worked internationally with Simply Red, Paul Simon, Jennifer Rush, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Jonas Gwanga, Lucky Dube and Corsican artists I Muvrini.