Treat for fans of Xolisa Dlamini
Just months after being blessed with a new album, fans of seasoned Eastern Cape jazz vocalist Xolisa Dlamini, 49, can enjoy the singer’s talent in a virtual concert from December 8.
Dlamini, who released her third album, Fire Born, in September, will perform as part of a series of monthly concerts presented by iSupport Creative Business and the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts and Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, supported by Concerts SA.
Dlamini, who was born in the remote village of Rode in eMaXesibeni, near Mount Ayliff, is regarded as a veteran in musical theatre and education in SA.
She has shared her knowledge as a music lecturer at the Durban University of Technology for years.
She describes her music as a traditional African sound all can relate to.
Her passion for music and storytelling began at an early age, when she says she experienced visions and life-changing challenges in her life.
“Songs come to me in visions or dreams,” she said.
“Even the purpose of my life came to me in that way.
“I faced challenges from a very early age.
“I lost my father at the age of five and my mother when I was a teenager.
“Such challenges forced me to grow up very fast.”
Dlamini will perform with her three-member band — Sanele Phakathi on keys, Sbu Zondi on drums and Lwazi Mlotshwa on bass guitar.
The series of concerts is dedicated to showcasing the vast pool of talent Durban has, while using the spaces available in the city in unconventional ways.
It follows three months after Dlamini released Fire Born.
The album was initially scheduled for release in August 2019, but was delayed.
It was further delayed by the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Fire Born was produced by notable jazz musician and University of Fort Hare head of music Nduduzo Makhathini, one of Dlamini’s former students.
Dlamini has shaped the careers of internationally acclaimed Mthatha-raised artist Black Coffee, Mondli Ngcobo, Zakes Bantwini and Nduduzo Makhathini, among others.
The seasoned musician’s three albums have received widespread national recognition and award nominations.
Her first album, Times , received nominations for best contemporary album and best female composer at the SA Music Awards.
Her second album, Afro Blue, was nominated for best contemporary jazz album at the Metro FM Awards in 2010.
“You know how I knew this album was beautiful?” she said.
“It was when I was so at ease to sit and listen to myself sing, and get so inspired.
“It makes me feel good, it makes me think more and gives me hope that there is a better future.”
Besides her family, Dlamini’s music takes centre stage in her life.
When not recording or performing, she trains aspiring musicians at the Durban University of Technology and through private coaching.
The virtual event, Xolisa Dlamini in Concert, will be available for streaming from Tuesday December 8.
Tickets cost R30 on the National Arts Festival website.