Singing to her own tune

24 May 2013 - 02:51 By GABI MBELE
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Thandiswa Mazwai speaks about her sister's rants.
Thandiswa Mazwai speaks about her sister's rants.

Kora award-winning singer Thandiswa Mazwai, 37, will perform on home turf after touring internationally with Paul Simon for six months recently.

She appears tomorrow night at the Africa Day concert in Johannesburg, a two-day event.

Headlining the event, Mazwai will be on stage with her all-female band, which she hand-picked last year.

"I am playing with eight female musicians to show that women are not just lead singers but also play instruments," Mazwai said.

Dubbed "South Africa's finest female contemporary singer" by The Guardian, Mazwai rose to fame as the lead vocalist for the multiple award-winning band Bongo Maffin.

She conquered the music scene with the band's hits, including Thath'isgubhu, Mari Ye Phepha and The Way Kungakhona, before going solo.

In 2004 she released Zabalaza, followed by Ibokwe five years later. Ibokwe achieved gold status within weeks of its release.

In 2011 her live DVD, Dance of the Forgotten Free, won her best female artist and best live DVD at the South African Music Awards.

"I am working on a new album. It will be different, like everything I have done. I never stick to one particular genre so people can expect change and progress from me as an artist," she said.

The Africa Day concert will be held at the Bassline in Newtown, Johannesburg, tonight and tomorrow evening.

Other artists on the bill are Zimbabwean Tanga Pasi, Cameroonian Della & Friends and Nigeria's Olufemi. It will also feature performances by Lira Kohl.

The event is a celebration of African music and seeks to promote unity, the continent's dynamism and the need for Africans to embrace a collective identity and heritage.

  • For more information see bassline.co.za
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