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| Bongeziwe Mabandla |
In the last three weeks
Bongeziwe Mabandla’s world has elevated
to embrace a new wave of recognition and critical acclaim.
From being selected as one of Mail &
Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, and having his music chosen for Paris
Fashion Week, to releasing a new remix on iTunes – not to mention the fulfilment
that is generated from performing his music to local and international
audiences. Bongeziwe Mabandla recently performed at the Azgo Festival in
Mozambique, as well as the Sakifo Festival in Reunion Island (Friday 7 June
2013) billed alongside an eclectic mix of artists including Salif Keita and
Winston McAnuff among others.
Next,
Bongeziwe Mabandla will be gearing up for a couple of local public performances
(Oppikoppi, and The Bassline) before his debut performance at Festival d’lle de
France in Paris (September 2013). Festival Director Olivier Delsalle handpicked
Bongeziwe Mabandla during an earlier trip to the country – and at a second
meeting last week was accompanied by several French entertainment journalists
who took the time to absorb the music, and engage with the artist.
During his visit Olivier Delsalle said ‘… we
are looking forward to welcoming Bongeziwe within the frame of the Festival – I
am confident that this poignant, ethereal, yet powerful voice, together with
his vibrant stage presence, will take the audience along the most emotive
journey.” South African audiences will recall Bongeziwe’s moving performance of
‘Ngawe Mama’ at the live televised broadcast of the South African Music Awards
last month. It is this powerfully emotive voice that also received two SAMA
Nominations for his album ‘Umlilo’ in the Best Newcomer and Best Adult African
Album categories. It was soon after the SAMA’s that Bongeziwe met up with DJ
Fortee who showed an interest in the album ‘Umlilo’ and upon listening decided
to remix the socially reflective song ‘Isizathu’. Bongeziwe Mabandla and DJ
Fortee regard this remix as an organic collaborative process – resulting in a
soulful interpretation that lends itself to listening, on repeat…Listen to Bongeziwe Mabandla’s latest ‘Isizathu (DJ Fortee Urban Vocal Mix)’
HERE!
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