An Evening with Simphiwe Dana – Live in Concert

Written by Brendah Nyakudya
Wednesday, 08 February 2012 09:14

Anyone (we’re looking at you, Helen Zille) who’s had the benefit of interacting with the sensational Simphiwe Dana will know that she has a powerful voice and is not afraid to use it in order to be heard. This vocal strength does not just reveal itself on the musical stage but also on any matters that affect the state of the country that she so passionately loves.

Born in 1980 in Gcuwa (formerly known as Butterworth) in the Eastern Cape, Simphiwe has three solid albums under her belt. For her efforts she has amassed an impressive list of South African Music Awards including Best Newcomer, Best Female Artist and Album of the Year.

In her latest double-CD offering, An Evening with Simphiwe Dana – Live in Concert, she gets up close and personal with her audience. Backed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Miagi Youth Orchestra she takes you on a soul-stimulating melodic ride by performing, amongst others, firm favourites such as Ndiredi and Bantu Biko Street. She also throws in treasured classics such as Miriam Makeba’s Meadowlands and Angelique Kidjo’s Malaika.

If you are desperate for respite from the inane bubblegum pop flooding the airwaves, this album will soothe your soul with deep socially aware music often described as “Xhosa pop” that is as refreshing as it is entertaining.

Other side of Simphiwe

Actress

Simphiwe is not only a force on the musical stage. She can now add actress to her list of accomplishments, having clinched her first film role in Themba, which tells the heart-wrenching tale of a young boy in the rural Eastern Cape who longs to play for Bafana Bafana. In this film she plays a mother of two and wife of an absent miner.

Activist

A quick stroll through the timelines of Twitter will confirm that Simphiwe is not only passionate about music but also about South Africa. In 2011 she launched the Black Culture Education Tour which involved orchestral visits to six cities in a drive to increase awareness of the state of government education and inspire active involvement in improving conditions.

Mother

Simphiwe is proud mother to two kids, Zazi and Phalo.