South Africa’s soulful luminary Bongeziwe Mabandla is set to return to his homeland’s stages, bringing with him the immersive experience of his latest album, amaXesha. Known as the “enigmatic spirit of African Soul,” Mabandla has become one of the most revered figures in African music, blending the intimacy of folk with the power of Xhosa lyricism. This nationwide tour, kicking off in Cape Town on November 15, promises to be a journey through the emotional landscape of his music, capturing both the heartache and resilience that define his work.

Since the release of amaXesha in May 2023, Mabandla has taken his mesmerizing sound to international audiences, receiving critical acclaim from major publications like The Guardian, which hailed the album as “Global Album of the Month.” In his live performances, Mabandla weaves an intimate narrative that resonates deeply, a quality that has drawn sold-out audiences worldwide, from London’s 100 Club to the Reeperbahn Festival in Germany. Now, South African fans will yet again get to experience these haunting compositions live, in venues carefully selected to reflect the depth and intimacy of his music.

Bongeziwe Mabandla by Mike Love

 
Working alongside long-time collaborator Tiago Correia-Paulo, Mabandla’s sound has evolved to a place where traditional Xhosa storytelling intersects seamlessly with electronic textures and Afro-folk rhythms. This combination has solidified his position as a pioneer of the Black Alternative movement, one that speaks to the soul of South Africa while finding universal appeal abroad. The upcoming tour will feature nine performances across the country, each set to be a powerful celebration of Mabandla’s journey from his rural Eastern Cape roots to global acclaim.

Starting in Cape Town and traveling through cities like Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, and Soweto, this tour is not only a showcase of Mabandla’s artistry but a homecoming for a musician who has transformed the African soul genre. With his signature blend of acoustic and electronic elements, Mabandla’s tour is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music, community, and cultural pride.

Key Tour Dates:

15 November: The Old Biscuit Mill, Cape Town

16 November: The Daisy Jones Bar, Stellebosch 

17 November: Guga S’Thebe, Langa

20 November: Wynand Mouton Theatre, Bloemfontein 

24 November: Guild Theatre, East London

27 November: iZulu Theatre, Durban 

28 November: The Drama Theatre, Tshwane 

29 November: Morris Isaancson Centre, Soweto

30 November: Wits Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg

(More Dates TBA)

Book Tickets Here

Press release courtesy of Sheila Afari PR

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