DANA TALKS TO US
SOUTH African singer and songwriter Simphiwe Dana holds a very special place in my heart.
Her hit song Ndiredi was my father’s favourite track. Fond memories of the song blasting from his workshop early on Sunday mornings are still fresh in my mind.
My father has since passed away, but Dana’s music lives on. Another Dana high point of mine was attending the spectacular showcase The Simphiwe Dana Symphony Experience concert held at the Kyalami Theatre on the track in 2016.
A first of its kind in South Afica, the beautifully curated show featured international artists – Nigerian singer Asa and Concha Buika of Equitorial Guinea, among others.
What made the experience even more special was the presence of Mam’ Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who was seated right behind us. This live show was also where Dana’s latest album, titled The Simphiwe Dana Symphony Experience, was recorded.
The album is divine, Dana’s strong and raw vocals accompanied by a 60-piece and 30-piece choir make for an unforgettable sound. I could go on and on about her powerful stage presence and unapologetic African dress style, but it’s best you witness this yourself. The songstress will perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) next Saturday on the Kippies stage. I spoke to her about her upcoming show.
Congratulations on your upcoming #CTIJF18 performance. Are you excited?
Thank you so much. I’m actually quite excited to be returning to the CTIJF stage, after such a long time. I’m also very thrilled to be performing in Cape Town. It’s been quite a while and I know my audiences in Cape Town are looking forward to our shared experience. So, it’s really just a thrill for me and I want to make it special for them.
Please tell us about the performance. Any new tricks up your sleeve we can look forward to?
This is going to be a very big and special performance for me. It’s going to be a memorable experience. For the first time, I’ll have an all-women band and we’re doing something very sentimental: a tribute to fallen heroes such as Tata Madiba and Bra Hugh Masekela. I’ve also invited some industry friends to join me for this show. The fans are definitely in for a great treat.
You are a well respected and accomplished musician; what has been a major influence in your career development?
To be honest, I have really just been myself and I have stuck to who and what I know. I’m very honest about what I want, how I want it, who I work with and what product I’m looking for. I truly do not rest until I’ve achieved a certain level of excellence. So, I think those character traits have contributed a great deal in shaping the artist that I am today. I have also observed and taken some great lessons from legendary artists before me.
What performance of yours, over the years, do you consider your best?
You know, every performance really has its own special place and energy. But I am always moved to the brink of tears whenever I see The Church of Danarettes (as I call my audience) losing themselves over my music. The energy in the theatre or auditorium truly becomes magically ethereal and I feed off that.
I remember when I held a special 10-year celebration concert at the Baseline, a performance I had meant to record and package for sales but I couldn’t because the Danarettes had taken over the show. They drowned me out and sang way above me that the sound technicians could not even fix the recording to a good quality level. That’s how special my people are and I just love them for it.
The Simphiwe Dana Symphony Experience also stands out as one of the best performances for me. It’s a show I have always wanted to do, and to see it come to reality the way it did was an overwhelming feeling for me.
You have released several hits, my all time favourite being Ndiredi. Which song of yours are you most connected to and why?
Oh wow. That’s a tough question; all my music is quite special to me. However, I can cite a few songs that are quite close to home: Zandisile, Mayine and Nzinga are a few of my favourites.
Can you tell your fans three things we don’t know about you?
I’m an introvert and can be very socially awkward. I suffer from depression and I use humour as a coping mechanism. I can be a complete walkover when I love someone.
Your album The Simphiwe Dana Symphony Experience is heavenly and well produced. What inspired the album and will you be performing any of the songs at the CTIJF?
Thank you for that. That was a magical evening and I’m quite proud of the work we did there. The album came about as a result of wanting to document and capture that special evening, as it’s been a long time coming. I first conceptualised that concert about 10 years ago. I have always wanted to stage a truly African performance of timeless music with a choir, a dance troupe and a big orchestra.
When you are not making music what do you like to do?
When I’m not making music I love to spend quality time with my kids and really just make up for the time lost when I’m not around. I get to hear about everything they’ve been up to. I also love to host dinner parties for friends. I’m a good cook and I love sharing that experience with those who’re close to me.