Soul singer brings tour home to Durban
The tour’s timing signifies a full circle moment in the artist’s career
SOUL singer, Spha Mdlalose, is set to embark on a three-city tour this week, starting in her home town of Durban. The tour will see Spha performing in three cities that have inspired her musical journey: Durban, where she was born; Cape Town, where she lived for over twenty years; and Johannesburg, which she now calls home. The tour is supported by the Music Mobility Fund, a funding mechanism administered by Concerts SA which offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake live music tours.
The tour’s timing signifies a full circle moment in the artist’s career as she gears up to release her debut album later this year, regarded as one of the most talented voices of her generation, 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 carved a successful musical career for herself, having worked with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Abigail Kubeka and international pop star Josh Groban. Admittedly a late bloomer in the song writing 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 just a little girl.
Spha will play with a different quintet in each city, something which promises to give the music fresh interpretation each time, ultimately transporting audiences to places anew and possibly inspiring more music.
Spha will be backed on stage by an impressive quartet of performers, with Thandi Ntuli and Gabriel Montgomery alternating on piano/ keyboards, Thembinkosi Mavimbela on double bass, Sisonke Xonti blowing the saxophone and Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums.
“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,” said Mdlalose.
Catch her at The Chairman, 146 Mahatma Gandhi Road, on Friday 17 March from 10.30pm. Tickets cost R 150 or at the Jazzy Rainbow, 93 Smiso Nkwanyana Road, on Sunday, 19 March from 5pm. Tickets cost R80 and include a drink.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
