Entering the scene in 2004 with the release of her platinum-selling, award-winning debut album Zandisile, Simphiwe Dana has secured her place in the hearts of South African music lovers. During these 10 years in the entertainment industry she has collected no less than six South African Music Awards (SAMAs), two Metro FM Music Awards (Best Female Artist and Best Contemporary Jazz Album), one Avo Session Award in Europe (honoured alongside Elton John), a Metropolitan Eastern Cape Arts and Culture Award and a Pan-South African Language Award.
Simphiwe Dana is the queen of essence and she once again proved herself with her stunning 10-year anniversary concert in collaboration with Kaya FM. The concert was held on Saturday 25 April at Bassline in Newtown, Johannesburg, the perfect setting for an artist of her calibre. Simphiwe’s music is best enjoyed in an intimate space.
Simphiwe opened the show with “Zandisile” from her debut album and the crowd shouted with excitement. Simphiwe is magnificent on stage; her vocals are amazing and her music heals. It was impressive to discover that she’s a recording artist and a performing artist – she has mastered both crafts. She took us back with “One Movement to Biko Street” and “Kulture Noir” and then moved on to her latest offering, “Firebrand”.
Seeing Simphiwe live makes you understand why she’s still relevant 10 years later: she’s remained consistent with her crafted stories that speak to the world she lives in, a world that we’re all part of. Simphiwe remains the epitome of black consciousness and that’s evident when you listen to her second album, One Movement to Biko Street.
Another highlight of the show was seeing her interact with fans and it was breathtaking to see and hear the crowd sing along to every song.
Needless to say, Simphiwe gave it her all. She stole everyone’s breath.
