Catch Mavela again
THE golden voice of New Brighton singer Nosisi Mavela will be heard on stage in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth this month – and she promises fans a new album soon also.
Mavela, 36, was in full voice this past weekend when she sang at Thrive, a Women’s Month event held at the Bayworld Conference Centre, showcasing a slice of the choral, Afro-pop, jazz, opera and township tunes for which she is known.
Organised by the Nelson Mandela Metro District Department of Sports, Recreation, Art and Culture, in partnership with Vision4 Women, the afternoon featured several guest speakers on subjects including emotional intelligence, finance, the challenges for career women in raising children and leadership.
Mavela, accompanied by fellow Bay musicians Babalwa Ndima on vocals, Siyabulela Mdebele on keyboards and Sima Kolele on saxophone, sang numbers from her upcoming album.
“The album is coming soon – I have 10 tracks and I will launch it here in PE,” she promised.
She showed her versatility on Saturday by presenting a blend of covers, her own compositions and a new song Africa by Mdebele.
Before that album hits the shelves, however, Mavela has other commitments, including a per- formance in Johannesburg. Together with fellow Bay singer Nomabotwe Mtimkhulu, formerly of Maisha, Mavela has composed the score for a new play with music opening at the PE Opera house later this month.
“It is traditional music and we have written six numbers, which we also will be performing during the play,” Mavela said.
Ikanana: My Boarding School, written by theatre veteran Nomhle Nkonyeni and Monde Konza is at the Opera House from Wednesday August 30 to Saturday September 2.
It has other creative talents on board, with fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo of MaXhosa by Laduma fame designing the costumes and the set designed by author and playwright Zwai Mgijima.
Like many born and bred Bay artists, Mavela left the coast in search of fame and fortune and has performed in several major jazz and arts festival across the country. She also has appeared in multi award-winning films Son of Man and uKarmen eKhayelitsha.
Mavela will be in Johannesburg for a Women’s Month concert next weekend before returning home to perform here.
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