‘Noirwave’ hits the shores of Cape Town

TOMORROW marks the first time in more than a year that Belgian-born Congolese singer, songwriter, musician and record producer Petite Noir performs in Cape Town.

Neighbourgoods and Black Major will present an immersive, multifaceted celebration of music, design and culinary culture at The Old Biscuit Mill in Salt River, from 11am until 5pm.

The internationally acclaimed Sama- winning artist spent the past two years taking his sound to global audiences and has been tapped for several key live global performances this year, including the Afropunk Festival in Paris.

“It feels amazing to be coming back to Cape Town,” said Petite Noir. “I am so excited. Especially because this is sort of the first time that I’m playing a show in Cape Town. The other time it was a festival.

“Yes. It will always be home. This is where I just put my head down and record. I still get a lot of inspiration here.”

Petite Noir said he would be bringing a brand new band and energy to the show. “The vibe of the project has changed. I have grown a lot in the recent years and so has my music.”

The artist calls his sound Noirwave. “It is a blend between African music and all my other influences,” he said.

“I don’t like being too specific on the types of music that I make as it makes people judge and most times in the wrong way.

“All I’m saying is come expecting the unexpected.”

Joining Petite Noir as a headliner will be Bongeziwe Mabandla, who will perform songs from an album he released earlier this month. Titled Mangaliso (meaning “miracle”), the record features first single, Ndokulandela.

“The album is about this idea I had to document my own spiritual journey. I was thinking and searching a lot about God and it turned into music,” he said.

“It felt very real in that way for me. I really opened up about who I am in this album and I hope that will resonate with people and… the search for hope.”

Mabandla said his favourite track from the album is the title one: “It’s about finding happiness and joy so it always feels very special hearing it. It’s the message of the whole album.”

His inspiration was drawn from what he was dealing with in his own life. This event will showcase a diverse array of local designers, sidewalk industrialists and street food chefs.

Tickets are R120 through Quicket and R150 at the door.