All that jazz with Asanda Bam

Asanda Bam

Old Mutual Jazz at the Theatre celebrates Women’s Month by presenting Asanda Bam to dazzle audiences with her captivating sound on 7 August. Taking place at the Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, this show - the fourth in the series - promises to give fans an unforgettable jazz experience. Asanda Bam will deliver songs from her debut album Fragile. Classified as Jazz/Fusion and Blues in the South African genre, the album’s Afro-soul elements and African Adult contemporary fusion is sure to enthrall fans. Her music career includes performances as a backing vocalist for leading South African artists such as Gloria Bosman, Thandiswa Mazwai, Swazi Dlamini, Mafikizolo and Tshepo Tshola. She has also shared the stage with international artists Angelique Kidjo, Corinne Bailey Rae and Jamelia. Bandile Mngoma, Sponsorship Manager for Old Mutual South Africa, says: “Our partnership with Swazitainment on this series is realising its goal of giving jazz artists the opportunity to showcase their talent. The need for the series is huge and its popularity can be attributed to the significant talent South African artists possess.” The emerging spotlight artist for the month is Sibusiso Buthelezi. He obtained a diploma in music and has worked with a number of power voices such as Sibongile Khumalo, Jimmy Dludlu and Joyous Celebration. His achievements include a role in Afrika-Afrika, a production that was staged in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and UK. Mngoma adds: “The response of the audience to spotlight artists is incredible, which encourages these emerging performers to work hard at perfecting their craft so that when they launch their solo careers in the highly competitive musical environment they will succeed. Our aspiration is to see them empowered to extend beyond the Old Mutual Jazz at the Theatre stage to do more great things.”
Previous artists who have brought jazz rhythm and meaning to the stage include Selaelo Selota, Kunle Ayo and Mimi Ntenjwa. The local jazz greats lined up to perform on the Old Mutual Jazz at the Theatre stage include Judith Sephuma and Tshepo Mngoma. Asanda Bam’s show will start at 18:30. Tickets cost R120. Book at www.computicket.com or call the theatre on 011 883 8606.