Venda-born RnB artist Cookiie SA, real name Ntanganedzeni Mashau, is stepping into the spotlight with her new project, Queen of Hearts. Known for her versatility, adaptability and what she calls her "unpredictable" approach, the young singer is carving out a reputation as one of South Africa's most promising voices.
The title of the album is no accident. Cookiie says she wanted to capture exactly how she felt during its creation. Looking for a figure that mirrored her emotions, she settled on the archetype of the Queen of Hearts. In card decks, the character represents nurturing, compassion, support and self-love. "That was spot on for me at the time," she says.
Her creative process is collaborative, working with producers Big Ropza, Piffaudiorsa and Deep99sa, who, she admits, bring years of experience to the studio. Together they bounce off each other's energy, developing beats and concepts that allow her to write with what she calls "guided freedom".
Cookiie's Venda upbringing is stitched into her sound, even as her music draws from multiple cultures and global influences. She describes her style as a melting pot, blending RnB with Afro-soul and amapiano. "Balancing RnB with local influences is about finding harmony between the soulfulness of RnB and the grooves of South African music," she explains. Her aim, she says, is to bridge cultures while keeping her work personal and relatable.
That blend is also what gives her an edge in a competitive industry. Fans and critics call her a rising RnB superstar, but Cookiie believes her strength lies in authenticity. "I want my music to resonate with people on a personal level," she says.
Her list of inspirations reflects her wide-ranging sound. She cites Shekhinah, Sha Sha and Nasty C as local influences, alongside Venda talents such as JR Player, Big Ropza, Mickey Black, Lutroo Da Musiq, Megamind and Owi Jayson. Internationally, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat and Chris Brown dominate her playlists.
Cookiie says she sees herself on an international stage sooner rather than later. The idea of "taking the world by storm" does not intimidate her. Instead, she views it as motivation. "I want my music to resonate globally. I am creating something rooted in my own experiences but universal enough to travel," she says.
Breaking into the industry has come with challenges. As a young woman, she has had to negotiate the tension between creative vision and industry expectations. "Representation matters. It can be tough to navigate, but the support from fans and my passion for music have kept me focused," she says.
She also believes Venda – and Limpopo at large – has a crucial role to play in shaping South Africa's musical identity globally. Pushing collaborations beyond the province and embracing local languages and sounds, she argues, will help the region make its mark.
When pressed on whom she would most like to collaborate with right now, she answers without hesitation: Young Stunna. "He is an amazing performer and he never misses. I would learn so much and still have the challenge of matching his energy on a song," she says with a grin.
Queen of Hearts is more than a debut statement. For Cookiie SA, it is the sound of a young artist embracing her crown and setting her sights beyond Venda – with the world firmly in view.