Busisiwe Thwala, better known as Cici, is a South African singer-songwriter and actress who rose to prominence in 2015 with her hit single “Runaway.” She quickly became known for her rich vocals and impactful presence in the South African music scene.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Busisiwe Thwala |
| Date of Birth | 15 February 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Partner | Former partner and manager Arthur Mafokate |
| Children | One |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, actress |
| Labels | 999 Music (former), Ambitiouz Entertainment, Independent |
| Net Worth | Around R 10 million (577,000 USD) |
Early Life and Education
Cici was born in a religious family in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, where both her parents were pastors.
She pursued higher education by studying psychology at the university level but chose to leave her studies to focus fully on her music career.
Career
Cici gained fame with the release of “Runaway,” which earned her major music awards and established her as a prominent artist.
She initially signed with 999 Music before moving to Ambitiouz Entertainment, under which she released two studio albums: Busisiwe and Sukulila.
Beyond music, she has acted in the TV series Rhythm City and collaborated with top artists, including a hit release with DJ Zinhle.
Recently, she celebrated over 50 million streams across platforms as an independent artist.
Personal Life
Cici’s personal journey includes overcoming challenges from an abusive relationship with her former boyfriend and manager, Arthur Mafokate. She is a mother and has used her experiences to advocate for mental health and resilience.
Cici Net Worth
As of 2025, Her estimated net worth is roughly R 10 million (approximately $577,000) stemming from her music career and entrepreneurial ventures such as a floral business.
Discography
- Busisiwe (2017)
- Sukulila (2021)
Notable singles include “Runaway,” “Iqiniso,” and the chart-topping “Thula,” a collaboration with DJ Zinhle.
Awards and Nominations
Cici has won awards such as Best R&B Single at the Metro FM Music Awards and received nominations at the South African Music Awards and Basadi in Music Awards for her albums and singles.
