JANE MAYNE
Right from the outset Simphiwe Dana made her presence felt with a unique vocal expression coloured by her distinctive timbre and turn of phrase. She’s always had an authenticity, which has cemented her status as an innovative performer who’s enriched the continent with her novel tonal range. Capetonians don’t often get the chance to see her live and The Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2018 will offer that opportunity on Saturday 24 March on The Kippies Stage at 7pm.
A nice aside is that she’s be fronting a bumper 13-piece all-women ensemble featuring a solid horn section. The group includes Thandi Ntuli on keys, Siya Makuzeni trombone, Tebogo Sedumedi bass, Catherine Nhlapo perc, Linda Tshabalala alto sax, and Titi Luzipho and Gugu Shezi on vocals.
Musical director role
The band’s repertoire will hone in on struggle songs, plus “a new song, or two”, says Simphiwe. The production will feature a mix of balladry and upbeat anthems reflecting “the pain of the struggle; how people found love in a time of turmoil; and also speak of the hope before 1994”.
Putting this band together has clearly been fun, and Simphiwe plans to follow-up with more projects in a musical director role. “For me it’s part of my natural growth as an artist. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Her first two outings in this capacity included The Simphiwe Dana Symphony Experience with Asa from Nigeria and Concha Buika of Equatorial Guinea, plus a 2017 commission: “Last year I was commissioned by a church to rearrange their hymns. I hope I’m creating a space for myself to handle that kind of responsibility – not many young black women are doing that.”
Performing – a divine experience
Any standout highlight acts on the CTIJF 2018 bill for her? “I’m looking forward to the Hugh Masekela Tribute, and I’m also hoping to see Corinne Bailey Rae, who’s performing right after me”.
This inimitable South African singer has been quoted as saying that “art serves a higher purpose, as it’s a sacred undertaking” – how does she experience live gigs? “Actually performing is my favourite part of music. For me it’s a divine experience. As a result, most of my friends call it ‘church’, because it feels like church as it’s a highly spiritual place. Performing comes very naturally to me, as it feels close to the divine or spiritual,” she adds.
Growing up within a church background where does she currently situate herself – does she lean more towards esoterica, religion or what? “I’m not a religious person, I’m more into spirituality. I used to be a bookworm, but now I’m a recovering bookworm! I like sci-fi a lot because I’m an escapist. I like to read astrology, and I’m one of those people who believes in reincarnation – I’m interested in those kind of ideas that for some seem to be a tad unreal. I obviously also read about politics and social justice.”
Lila Downs, Mariza
What’s rotating on her own fave playlist at the moment? “Right now there’s Mexican singer Lila Downs – it’s in the Latin jazz space. She’s got a very distinctive Spanish identity. Also Portuguese fado singer Mariza. And I’m back to listening to Manu Dibango.” She also rates Nathi and Zahara highly as South African vocalists.
Globally creative songwriting has been lacking in the last few decades as the formulaic pop hit machine has gone into overdrive. What’s her take on this? “I agree, especially if you look at American music. That’s why people are looking to the continent for inspiration. I think that African music is the next big thing, but there’s a high risk of being appropriated. That appropriation can rob us, so we have to be very careful how we have this conversation with artists coming from the outside, because often they‘re much bigger than us.”
Black Coffee collab
Any new Simphiwe Dana treats in store for us this year? “Actually I’m doing something with Black Coffee; and I really like the idea of a women’s band, and writing with women musicians. There’s more mutual respect and you don’t have to prove yourself as a leader. It can be difficult with men if they don’t respect women generally.”
While there aren’t any new YouTube clips to look forward to, Simphiwe is currently in the studio working on new material. “I’m growing and changing, but not out of context of who I am,” she says.
Her comments on where South Africa finds itself as a nation in 2018? “I think race relations are a bit concerning, but there’s an opportunity for frank engagement. We can’t continue like this and keep our heads in the sand. We’re at a crossroads – and we can decide where we want to go.”
What: Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF)
When: 23, 24 March, 2018
Simphiwe Dana CTIJF slot: 24 March, 2018, 7pm
Where: CTICC – Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa
CTIJF Book Tickets, Prices: Computicket, Weekend Pass: http://bit.ly/2hKBfro. Day Pass: http://bit.ly/2ziapOM
Cape Town International Jazz Festival social media: #CTIJF2018 #AfricasGrandestGathering, Facebook: facebook.com/CTJazzFest, Twiter: twitter.com/CTJazzFest, Instagram.com/capetownjazzfest.com
Web: www.capetownjazzfest.com, www.espafrika.com
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