Local jazz vocalist records her debut album
THE last time the Cape Times spoke to jazz vocalist Asanda Mqiki, from Nelson Mandela Bay, was in November, as she was touring Cape Town to crowdfund for her debut album.
Three months later, the multi-award-winning entertainer, managed by Nikki Froneman of Arte Viva Management, will record her debut solo album at the Savoy Theatre in her hometown, followed by a tour of South Africa and Mozambique.
Her tour will have her perform at the Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano in Maputo, Chairman in Durban, His & Hers Jams – Eyethu Lifestyle Centre in Soweto, and Steve Biko Centre in King Williams Town.
The album – Nobakithi – will be released by early April, digitally and on CD, and pre-sales will start from the concert.
Mqiki said Nobakithi spoke about a young woman who forgot where she came from. “Some go to Johannesburg and end up in Hillbrow and forget where they come from. It is time to go back home.”
Mqiki said Nobakithi (the song) is her mother’s favourite and the first time she performed it for her family, they loved it. At that moment, she “felt like it was a blessing for the song and the album, because when I finally decided to introduce the song to an audience, they loved it and it fits not only for women but men too”.
“That feeling and experience has shaped my career ever since,” she added.
Mqiki said the crowdfunding campaign did not go as planned but was grateful for the support from those who wanted to get to know her and her music.
“I am influenced by so many different genres and exciting bands. It is about the voice mostly, it gives you a different direction,” said Mqiki.
Froneman said Mqiki has embarked on a new path in her career in South Africa, and all around the world.
“I am very excited. I have been working with Asanda for over a year now. The support from Concerts SA, the band and the many people involved has been exciting,” Froneman said.
“Asanda is going to perform for the first time with the band outside of South Africa. It promises to be a great tour and Mozambique is going to love her.”
‘I am influenced by so many different genres and exciting bands’