When two worlds collide
MARRYING up artists from vastly different backgrounds has become something of a knack that Karen Zoid is fast mastering.
Having buddied up with Vusi Mahlasela with great success in the past, she now heads to The Fugard Theatre on Ocober 10 and 11 at 8pm along with FreshlyGround’s lead singer Zolani Mahola in a follow-up on their sell-out show at Spier Amphitheatre last year.
“Zolani and I started our careers at roughly the same time,” Zoid says of the many similarities between the two multi-award-winning artists.
“We’ve always wanted to get back together again after last year’s Stellenbosch show, so when this opportunity came along we both jumped at it.
“The Spier gig was a big amphitheatre affair with a pretty big, largely Afrikaans audience,” Mahola chimes in.
“The Fugard Theatre shows, by comparison, will be more intimate gigs. All kinds of people will be able to just reach out and pet us! We also have a longer show than we had the last time.”
Hanging out and catching up is one thing, but getting up on stage and doing what each does best is another thing all together, Zoid admits.
“It takes the relationship to a whole new level,” she says. “I love playing with Zolani.”
Zoid says the FreshlyGround singer’s incredible memory floored her.
When the two decided to regroup, Zoid scheduled a rehearsal to start working on material.
“I was expecting her to have come along with only a chorus committed to memory, but she waxed the entire first song, syncopated lyrics and all.”
“I listen very well to the meaning behind the song,” Mahola explains how she tackles lyrics that are not her own.
“I listen to the melody, to the flow of it and then interpret it in my own way. With Karen it is so easy because she is so intuitive and free with her material, despite her huge successes in the business so far. Her generosity encourages reinterpretation and participation.”
Zoid is quick to admit that Mahola’s overall understanding of Afrikaans was way better than her own Xhosa, but since they started performing together, in between their collective hectic schedules and full-time focuses, they are both well on their way to bringing their disparate worlds a whole lot closer.
“We have a tremendous amount of respect for each other,” Mahola acknowledges. “Our previous performance really highlighted for me the wealth of talent we have in this part of the world, and how much we have in common, despite what some might still believe. Also… what we can share with each other is enormous and profound. I’m grateful and proud to be a part of this show.”
The two stars will be joined by prodigal guitar wizard Richard Onreat and country-blues guitarist Henry Steele, who started out playing with Valiant Swart at the age of 15.
What makes the quartet even more interesting is the Onreat and Steele have great vocal ranges too.
This, combined with Zoid’s acoustic bass and baritone eightstring guitars and powerful voice, and Mahola’s melodic expression and infectious vibe, promises a night to remember for band and fans alike.
Both Mahola, as part of FreshlyGround, and Zoid have so many hit singles they could choose from, but adding a twist to each song is what excites them.
“We get bored easily,” Zoid explains. “Revisiting and rearranging the big songs is fun, but the best is dropping in some of our own guilty pleasures.”
What we can share is enormous. I’m proud to be a part of this show
Without giving anything away, she says, “Our Fugard Theatre performances will offer fans something of a mash-up of hits and memories, as well as few fun surprises.
“We tend to fly by the seat of our pants at times,” Zoid says of the energy created when she and Mahola perform together.
“It’s intense and technically challenging. With the show being vocally driven, with no percussion, we’re all put on the spot because the voice can’t lie. You have to commit to the emotion and the song.”
“When that happens it’s an amazing feeling. Zolani and I both give in to the music, and what comes out is simply amazing.”
“Karen is a musical genius,” Mahola says of her much-loved friend.
“She makes me want to be as cool as she is when I become a big person.”
Tickets are R110 to R140. To book, call Computicket at 0861 915 8000, or to book at the box office call 021 461 4554.