Young jazz and soul singer Spha Mdlalose has embarked on a three-city tour, starting in her home town of Durban. The run sees Spha performing in three cities that have inspired her musical journey: Durban, where she was born; Cape Town where she lived for over 20 years and Johannesburg, which she now calls home. The timing signifies a full circle moment for the artist as she gears up to release her debut album.
Spha moves from rough-hewn shebeen-styled jazz, through soulful gospel grooves to Sarah Vaughan-like sophistication and Ella-edged beboppers.
Despite her tender age Spha has worked with Sibongile Khumalo, Abigail Kubeka and Josh Groban. Admittedly a late bloomer in the songwriting department, she looks forward to sharing her compositions which are influenced by her jazz studies, her love of African music and the gospel music her mother introduced her to when she was a little girl.
Thandi Ntuli and Gabriel Montgomery alternate on keys
Spha will play with a different quintet in each city, something which promises to give the music fresh interpretation each time.
She will be backed by Thandi Ntuli and Gabriel Montgomery alternating on piano/ keyboards, Thembinkosi Mavimbela on double bass, Sisonke Xonti blowing the saxophone and Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums.
Spha comments: “Being on the verge of releasing my solo debut album, I want to expose my music and artistic offering to as wide and diverse audiences as possible. South Africa can be characterised as a polarised society due to its history of minority oppression of the majority. The arts in general and music in particular, have played a pivotal role in attempting to unify South Africa’s democratic society. Against this backdrop I see my music and artistic offering as a contribution towards South Africa’s post 94 social healing project.” The tour is supported by Music Mobility Fund, administered by Concerts SA.
The Gigs:
– Cape Town – SA Slave Museum, Sat, 8 April, 40 Long St, Observatory, 021 423 6755
– Cape Town – Drawing Room, Wed, 12 April, 8pm, R80. 87 Station Road, Observatory, 082 672 0515
– Cape Town – The Crypt, Wed, 13 April – 8.30pm, R120, 1 Wale St, 079 683 4658
– Vereeniging – Iketleng, Fri, 21 April, 8pm, 4 Tungsten Rd, Vereeniging, 083 304 1627
– Johannesburg – Gallery Momo, Sat, 29 April, 52 7 Ave, 011 327 3247,
– Pretoria – Hard Rock Cafe, Sun, 30 April, Shop G167, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, 010 140 0797
Artist links:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SphaMdlaloseArtistPage
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sphakling_m
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/spha-mdlalose
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCzFyWzyszUL_IxAk44manNg
Concerts SA: http://concertssa.co.za, twitter.com/ConcertsSA facebook.com/ConcertsSA
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