September 29, 2008
Source :Classic Feel Online
Simphiwe Dana – setting the style
Simphiwe Dana is a busy woman these days. When we arrange to meet her she is very late keeping the appointment but finally bustles in apologetically, and we are ready to start. This diva of South African music has just swept the 2007 SAMAs (South African Music Awards) by winning four of the five categories for which she was nominated with her second album The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street.
In 2005 Simphiwe was named Best Newcomer at the SAMAs, and at this year’s ceremony she proved that the award was no fluke. She was named Best Female Artist and her latest album was chosen as Album of the Year, also taking the honours for Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Vocal Jazz Album (only missing out on Best Producer for Bheki Khoza, which went to Moreira Chonguica and Mark Fransman for The Moreira Project – The Journey Vol 1). Simphiwe has come a very long way since the days when, as a young girl in the Transkei village of Lusikisiki, she used to sing while carrying out her chores, walking barefoot along the path to the river to fetch water or the forest to fetch firewood. She told herself then that no matter what, music, and singing in particular, were always going to be a part of her life – if not her life entirely. ‘I believe I was born to sing. I write all my songs with my listeners in mind,’ she has said. Her love of music began in the same way that it did for countless other South African music icons – with the encouragement of her parents, especially her mother, who filled her childhood with music.
Simphiwe’s unique vocal style and fresh blend of gospel, traditional African sounds, jazz and choral music, has won her not only these coveted awards, but the hearts of fans all over the world. Fresh from a successful sojourn in Europe which took up a good deal of the second half of 2006 and included performances in Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland, with a stint in Germany and appearances at Africa Day celebrations in Heidelberg as well as the FIFA World Cup fan festivals in Hanover and Berlin, she is preparing to tour again. ‘There were so many highlights of my European tour,’ she recalls. ‘I can barely remember them all! In November 2006 in Leverkusen I performed at a festival that celebrated different musical styles [the Leverkusener Jazztage]. It was a week-long event and I performed on the last day at an event called Concert for Africa. Amadou and Mariam were also due to perform on that day and we were getting very worried because the whole week long we had been experiencing all these brilliant artists performing on this huge stage. Out hotel was close to the venue so we could go to all the shows.’ This year’s artists included the likes of the Buena Vista Social Club, Nigel Kennedy, Level 42, Al Di Meola, Paco de Lucía and his band, Badi Assad, and the Manhattan Transfer, so Simphiwe was in excellent musical company. ‘On the night we performed, we had no idea of the impact we were making on the audience until we saw the newspapers the next day. You know, when you’re up on stage you’re just focused on the music, really. We were looking back after the show and analysing where we thought we could have done better! But the papers were all saying that we were the highlight – we just didn’t notice it at the time!’
She mentions that the audiences in Spain were spirited and passionate. Simphiwe performed on 8 July at the Mar De Musicas festival in the historic port city of Cartagena, at the open-air Auditorio Parque Torres where she shared the stage with the ever-popular Johnny Clegg. Translated as ‘Sea of Musics’, this was the twelfth festival and this year the entire edition was dedicated to South Africa. Our country was represented by Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, Thandiswa, and the Mahotella Queens, among others. ‘It was an amazing show, such fun.’
In May 2007 she appeared in the UK at the London African Music Festival, an event that has been held since 2003. This was her first performance in the vibrant city and she was tremendously excited to be going there. ‘I’ve been home since the beginning of the year and I’ll be in Europe for about three months playing at various festivals and events.’ Internationally the new album has only been released in Europe, but other markets such as America are certainly in the pipeline. Before leaving SA Simphiwe performed for her fans at home at a once-off gala concert in Durban’s Zulu Jazz Lounge in mid-May, saying farewell before once more leaving for an extended period.
As we speak her mobile phone rings at regular intervals. ‘It’s nice having fame,’ she says,’ but it’s a lot of work keeping it all together!’ How does she balance being a young mother (of two small children) with a hectic touring schedule? ‘The first time I went away I was so looking forward to it. I was happy to get away – but two days later I was missing my kids like crazy! It was difficult. My children don’t tour with me and I have no idea how I manage it – I just do it, I just do my best.’ She feels that she can use her talent to leave a legacy for the little ones that will help them to understand difficult situations in the future. ‘Take my song ‘Zandisile’, for instance, which I wrote especially for uZazi, my daughter, although there is a message for all the black youth of our country – if I ever was not there to help them and they felt confused and uncertain about life, they can listen to the words of my songs and hopefully get encouragement and inspiration.’
Simphiwe is an inspiration not only musically but also in individuality. Well known as a fashion icon, she conveys the message that it’s okay to look different, to be daring. ‘This is just me being myself. I take anything that appeals to me. Yes, I am a little eccentric and even futuristic in the way I dress, but I’m me. I’m an African and I blend the traditional with the modern. We have many talented young local designers such as Stoned Cherrie who are not limiting themselves to any particular look or trend but are producing outstanding creations.’ She has been known to say that one of her favourite fashion items is the turban that is often seen on her head, and claims to have an interesting collection. This is one diva who is setting the pace in style!
This positive attitude comes from a firm belief in herself and in the future of our country. ‘Personally, I’m excited. Our country is growing at a very fast rate – we see amazing things coming from South Africa. People here seem to be driven more so than people from anywhere else – they have a hunger. And as an artist I have been able to win awards. My music is not mainstream and often such a musician will have to have passed away in order to achieve this, but I’ve received accolades in my lifetime! I’m proud of my country because here timeless things are recognised. The next big thing will come from SA – just wait and see.’
One of the current big things is certainly The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street. ‘I had a hand in writing all the songs on the album,’ she tells us, ‘with two co-composers. The title is unusual, but it all has to do with my thoughts and feelings on the one love movement. I even had t-shirts printed while I was overseas! I had no particular concept in mind while I was writing the songs but afterwards it struck me that the overall message was “one love”. This means that love begins with oneself. If you cannot love yourself, you cannot love anyone around you. I then asked myself who would best embody this concept? That is why I named it after Steve Biko, as this was his message. He stood for a level of equality where both parties are the same, whether it is on a personal level or a much greater level, and for a justice system where you can’t do me harm because there will be repercussions. We need to love and respect each other, and that starts with ourselves.’
In honour of Youth Month Simphiwe offers a few words of encouragement to all the youth of South Africa. ‘The youth don’t always realise it, but they have privileges that nobody else can have, whether younger or older. Only at a certain stage in life can you have the absolute freedom to be rebellious, to branch out, to explore. You can achieve so much. But while you’re being selfish you should be trying to realise your highest dreams. Go after your dreams – use that chance well.’
Simphiwe Dana is a busy woman these days. When we arrange to meet her she is very late keeping the appointment but finally bustles in apologetically, and we are ready to start. This diva of South African music has just swept the 2007 SAMAs (South African Music Awards) by winning four of the five categories for which she was nominated with her second album The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street.
In 2005 Simphiwe was named Best Newcomer at the SAMAs, and at this year’s ceremony she proved that the award was no fluke. She was named Best Female Artist and her latest album was chosen as Album of the Year, also taking the honours for Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Vocal Jazz Album (only missing out on Best Producer for Bheki Khoza, which went to Moreira Chonguica and Mark Fransman for The Moreira Project – The Journey Vol 1). Simphiwe has come a very long way since the days when, as a young girl in the Transkei village of Lusikisiki, she used to sing while carrying out her chores, walking barefoot along the path to the river to fetch water or the forest to fetch firewood. She told herself then that no matter what, music, and singing in particular, were always going to be a part of her life – if not her life entirely. ‘I believe I was born to sing. I write all my songs with my listeners in mind,’ she has said. Her love of music began in the same way that it did for countless other South African music icons – with the encouragement of her parents, especially her mother, who filled her childhood with music.
Simphiwe’s unique vocal style and fresh blend of gospel, traditional African sounds, jazz and choral music, has won her not only these coveted awards, but the hearts of fans all over the world. Fresh from a successful sojourn in Europe which took up a good deal of the second half of 2006 and included performances in Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland, with a stint in Germany and appearances at Africa Day celebrations in Heidelberg as well as the FIFA World Cup fan festivals in Hanover and Berlin, she is preparing to tour again. ‘There were so many highlights of my European tour,’ she recalls. ‘I can barely remember them all! In November 2006 in Leverkusen I performed at a festival that celebrated different musical styles [the Leverkusener Jazztage]. It was a week-long event and I performed on the last day at an event called Concert for Africa. Amadou and Mariam were also due to perform on that day and we were getting very worried because the whole week long we had been experiencing all these brilliant artists performing on this huge stage. Out hotel was close to the venue so we could go to all the shows.’ This year’s artists included the likes of the Buena Vista Social Club, Nigel Kennedy, Level 42, Al Di Meola, Paco de Lucía and his band, Badi Assad, and the Manhattan Transfer, so Simphiwe was in excellent musical company. ‘On the night we performed, we had no idea of the impact we were making on the audience until we saw the newspapers the next day. You know, when you’re up on stage you’re just focused on the music, really. We were looking back after the show and analysing where we thought we could have done better! But the papers were all saying that we were the highlight – we just didn’t notice it at the time!’
She mentions that the audiences in Spain were spirited and passionate. Simphiwe performed on 8 July at the Mar De Musicas festival in the historic port city of Cartagena, at the open-air Auditorio Parque Torres where she shared the stage with the ever-popular Johnny Clegg. Translated as ‘Sea of Musics’, this was the twelfth festival and this year the entire edition was dedicated to South Africa. Our country was represented by Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, Thandiswa, and the Mahotella Queens, among others. ‘It was an amazing show, such fun.’
In May 2007 she appeared in the UK at the London African Music Festival, an event that has been held since 2003. This was her first performance in the vibrant city and she was tremendously excited to be going there. ‘I’ve been home since the beginning of the year and I’ll be in Europe for about three months playing at various festivals and events.’ Internationally the new album has only been released in Europe, but other markets such as America are certainly in the pipeline. Before leaving SA Simphiwe performed for her fans at home at a once-off gala concert in Durban’s Zulu Jazz Lounge in mid-May, saying farewell before once more leaving for an extended period.
As we speak her mobile phone rings at regular intervals. ‘It’s nice having fame,’ she says,’ but it’s a lot of work keeping it all together!’ How does she balance being a young mother (of two small children) with a hectic touring schedule? ‘The first time I went away I was so looking forward to it. I was happy to get away – but two days later I was missing my kids like crazy! It was difficult. My children don’t tour with me and I have no idea how I manage it – I just do it, I just do my best.’ She feels that she can use her talent to leave a legacy for the little ones that will help them to understand difficult situations in the future. ‘Take my song ‘Zandisile’, for instance, which I wrote especially for uZazi, my daughter, although there is a message for all the black youth of our country – if I ever was not there to help them and they felt confused and uncertain about life, they can listen to the words of my songs and hopefully get encouragement and inspiration.’
Simphiwe is an inspiration not only musically but also in individuality. Well known as a fashion icon, she conveys the message that it’s okay to look different, to be daring. ‘This is just me being myself. I take anything that appeals to me. Yes, I am a little eccentric and even futuristic in the way I dress, but I’m me. I’m an African and I blend the traditional with the modern. We have many talented young local designers such as Stoned Cherrie who are not limiting themselves to any particular look or trend but are producing outstanding creations.’ She has been known to say that one of her favourite fashion items is the turban that is often seen on her head, and claims to have an interesting collection. This is one diva who is setting the pace in style!
This positive attitude comes from a firm belief in herself and in the future of our country. ‘Personally, I’m excited. Our country is growing at a very fast rate – we see amazing things coming from South Africa. People here seem to be driven more so than people from anywhere else – they have a hunger. And as an artist I have been able to win awards. My music is not mainstream and often such a musician will have to have passed away in order to achieve this, but I’ve received accolades in my lifetime! I’m proud of my country because here timeless things are recognised. The next big thing will come from SA – just wait and see.’
One of the current big things is certainly The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street. ‘I had a hand in writing all the songs on the album,’ she tells us, ‘with two co-composers. The title is unusual, but it all has to do with my thoughts and feelings on the one love movement. I even had t-shirts printed while I was overseas! I had no particular concept in mind while I was writing the songs but afterwards it struck me that the overall message was “one love”. This means that love begins with oneself. If you cannot love yourself, you cannot love anyone around you. I then asked myself who would best embody this concept? That is why I named it after Steve Biko, as this was his message. He stood for a level of equality where both parties are the same, whether it is on a personal level or a much greater level, and for a justice system where you can’t do me harm because there will be repercussions. We need to love and respect each other, and that starts with ourselves.’
In honour of Youth Month Simphiwe offers a few words of encouragement to all the youth of South Africa. ‘The youth don’t always realise it, but they have privileges that nobody else can have, whether younger or older. Only at a certain stage in life can you have the absolute freedom to be rebellious, to branch out, to explore. You can achieve so much. But while you’re being selfish you should be trying to realise your highest dreams. Go after your dreams – use that chance well.’
February 20, 2008
February 15, 2008
Simphiwe Dana Profile
Growing up in rural Transkei, Dana began singing ceremonial circumcision and wedding songs to herself as early as 5 - 12 years, during her solitary walks to fetch water from the community well. Her early childhood have taught her an enormous amount that you can not deny when you listen to her heart rending, soul deep African jazz music which spread the massage of love, hardship, perseverance and determination through out her people and the world over. She also soaked up influences from local artists such as Madosini and Amampondo, who she heard their music played on the radio, and the gospel singing in her local church. All this was concrete that inspired and cemented the yet to be inspirational songbird, who discovered her gift of singing in its earliest incipience. More can be heard on her two offerings to date Zandisile (2004) and The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street (2007). Her soothing voice takes you back to that golden era in South Africa’s history, to that Neo-soul destination, establishing her reputation as a more spiritual and introspective musician and songwriter. It is modern South African music with a timeless revolutionary message. Her music is about the every day struggle of black people, despite South Africa’s supposed freedom, and status as a democracy. 'I am a very cultured person’, she says, ‘as an African person we were made to feel inferior and a lot of African people stopped practicing their culture because it was seen and regarded as superstition or uncivilized. Through her lulling voice and powerfully captivating lyrics one can quickly rush to a conclusion that this is a remnant of the almost forgotten and discarded African ancient. It prepares you for pure African sojourn and allows you to get back to your ancient roots and be able to fuse with your past.
The loss of one’s identity begins when they forgets their language. It is a crucial point, indeed the failure to define yourself, and express yourself in second language deteriorates one’s chances of vividly make an impact to their lives and fellow mens. Language is the wheel to our culture and it is imperative that our languages be preserved and passed on to the next generations. 'I sing about finding yourself, accepting yourself so you can change yourself for the better, loving yourself’. Simphiwe’s lyrics appeals tremendously to the social way of life and are directed mainly at restoring pride and dignity on the modern African youth who finds themselves drifting between a distant past and at a high risk of acculturation. “Our major thrust hence is to find a starting point in our endeavours to save this beautiful continent ”. This immediately translates to me a challenge to find in my language, cosmology (Xhosa) and art that which is central or intrinsic to us all – A sense of a deep emotional identity that transcends joy and pain.‘I like the fact that I have a unique sound and I don’t purposefully follow trends. I would advise other people who want to become a musician to be creative about what they do rather than trying to imitate others. If you have the love for something and you are passionate about it, then you will stop at nothing to do it. And no matter what you do in life always remember where your roots lie’.
Simphiwe performs with a band consisting of South Africa’s finest crop of vocalist and instrumentalist.With her strong penchant for jazz, a soulful, wavering voice, strong and deep political stance. No wander merely a year after her debut album, has seen her rocketed to the musical charts and become one of the few recording artists to currently have her music studied by the Eastern University of Oregon, a department headed by Professor John McKinnon. Her music draws together traditional African sounds, powerful political lyrics and a strong jazz line into a thrilling performance. The leading light of South African music, Dana is a spectacular performer.
Performances
In her short spanned career, she has received many invitations to perform on big concerts and for honorable personalities and shared stage with notable and excelled musicians. With the brand of her music that is irresistibly wayward and so persuasively soothing like a hornbill to the ear, she is one of the few renowned South African female acts that has rocked the Mzansi, across Africa and abroad, with her music that exhibit a total African traditional flare. Asking her what prompted her to fame she would quickly mention the love for what she does. ‘There is no love in doing something and you don’t give your all to it’ Among the notable performances she has put, she has performed at the Noble Peace Prize Winner, Madiba’s 83rd birthday, a regular performer at the international platform, organized by the Arts Alive. She also performed at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, an event that bring down together acts from across the globe, for days. She is one of South African female artist with a vast experience and has toured many parts of the world.
•Madiba’s 83rd birthday – 2001
•Arts Alive – 2005
•Standard Bank Joy of Jazz - 2005
Achievements
The loss of one’s identity begins when they forgets their language. It is a crucial point, indeed the failure to define yourself, and express yourself in second language deteriorates one’s chances of vividly make an impact to their lives and fellow mens. Language is the wheel to our culture and it is imperative that our languages be preserved and passed on to the next generations. 'I sing about finding yourself, accepting yourself so you can change yourself for the better, loving yourself’. Simphiwe’s lyrics appeals tremendously to the social way of life and are directed mainly at restoring pride and dignity on the modern African youth who finds themselves drifting between a distant past and at a high risk of acculturation. “Our major thrust hence is to find a starting point in our endeavours to save this beautiful continent ”. This immediately translates to me a challenge to find in my language, cosmology (Xhosa) and art that which is central or intrinsic to us all – A sense of a deep emotional identity that transcends joy and pain.‘I like the fact that I have a unique sound and I don’t purposefully follow trends. I would advise other people who want to become a musician to be creative about what they do rather than trying to imitate others. If you have the love for something and you are passionate about it, then you will stop at nothing to do it. And no matter what you do in life always remember where your roots lie’.
Simphiwe performs with a band consisting of South Africa’s finest crop of vocalist and instrumentalist.With her strong penchant for jazz, a soulful, wavering voice, strong and deep political stance. No wander merely a year after her debut album, has seen her rocketed to the musical charts and become one of the few recording artists to currently have her music studied by the Eastern University of Oregon, a department headed by Professor John McKinnon. Her music draws together traditional African sounds, powerful political lyrics and a strong jazz line into a thrilling performance. The leading light of South African music, Dana is a spectacular performer.
Performances
In her short spanned career, she has received many invitations to perform on big concerts and for honorable personalities and shared stage with notable and excelled musicians. With the brand of her music that is irresistibly wayward and so persuasively soothing like a hornbill to the ear, she is one of the few renowned South African female acts that has rocked the Mzansi, across Africa and abroad, with her music that exhibit a total African traditional flare. Asking her what prompted her to fame she would quickly mention the love for what she does. ‘There is no love in doing something and you don’t give your all to it’ Among the notable performances she has put, she has performed at the Noble Peace Prize Winner, Madiba’s 83rd birthday, a regular performer at the international platform, organized by the Arts Alive. She also performed at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, an event that bring down together acts from across the globe, for days. She is one of South African female artist with a vast experience and has toured many parts of the world.
•Madiba’s 83rd birthday – 2001
•Arts Alive – 2005
•Standard Bank Joy of Jazz - 2005
Achievements
- Simphiwe has scouped an asssortenment of accolades and honors along her career both on home soil and abroad. With her debut album nominated as the Best Jazz Vocal Album and winning the Best Newcommer contributing to the starndards of women in the industry. She hasn’t looked back, touring Switzerland where she received the Avo Session Arising Star in 2006. She has been nominated for 2008 BBc Radio 3 Awards for World Music - Africa
- SAMA award winner, successful debut album, soundtrack cuts from Yizo Yizo 3, more than half a decade of electrifying live performances worldwide. Dana shared the stage with Afro-pop star Angelique Kidjo during her performance at the Johannesburg Music Hall (JMH) on 23 July 2004.
Goals
• One Love Movement on Bantu Biko – Babuyile
This is a project bend on propagating a deep understanding on the Black Consciousness Philosophy.
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