Words & Music concert series took
place at the University of
KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Jazz and Popular Music in November. The concerts were recorded and the
digital version of the gigs ares live via the www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
ticketing platform.
Zoe The Seed
Zoe is a jazz vocalist, music educator
and performer. Some of the most notable artists she has worked with include
Ernest Dawkins, Salim Washington, Themba Mkhize, Allou April, Africa Mkhize,
Ernie Smith and Nduduzo Makhathini. She studied at the University of KwaZulu -
Natal and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Jazz and popular music. She also
holds a certificate in education and is active in teaching private lessons to
aspiring vocalists like herself. Zoe The Seed has led her band for six years,
performing her music and covers for venues and festivals all over the country.
"I appreciate and acknowledge the
strides of women in leadership who have carried out change not only through
words but also in their actions, like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Winnie Mandela,
Sibongile Mazibuko, Zozibini Tunzi etc., these .women have stood tall by
addressing issues that affect people's lives. I also have immense respect for
the women who nourished our souls with beautiful sounds and melodies like
Dorothy Masuka, Letta Mbuli, Mama Africa and Sibongile Khumalo. We have carried
every word, and every sound and this will reflect in my performance.” Says Zoe
the Seed.
Neil Gonsalves Trio
Neil Gonsalves is a composer, pianist,
bandleader and music educator who has toured the world with his music. His
latest album, Blessings and Blues is a trio recording that was released in
April, 2021. Neil employs a trio+ concept, bringing additional musicians into
the ensemble as and when the music requires, which is the case for this
concert. Zoe and Thabo are regular associates of the trio and the ensemble last
performed together before COVID. So, a celebratory concert with feel-good
melodies and grooves, and lyrics that tend to social commentary is in store.
N’den
N’den is a musical duo consisting of
vocalist Thulile Zama and pianist David Smith.
The Duo met in the early 2000s while
studying music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Their humble musical
beginning as a duo started with playing gigs in different restaurants and the
corporate scene. Smith has always had an undoubted passion for music and was a
member of a very successful Jazz/Hip Hop band, Big Idea, that made waves
throughout the country.
Zama, distinguished by her dazzling
voice, is the lead vocalist of the successful all-female contemporary jazz band
Heels Over Head (best contemporary jazz nominees SAMA - 2011) (Yamaha Young
Artist winners 2010). This versatile vocalist is well-known in the jazz circuit
and a well-loved vocalist in Durban. Her talents have taken her to Hamburg and
Berlin, Germany and New Orleans, USA.
About
These concerts are supported by
Concerts SA Digital Mobility Fund. Concerts SA is a live music project that has
impacted over 12 000 artists and 900 venues across southern Africa. However,
some of the venues have shut down due to the impact of COVID19 and subsequent
lockdowns. Aimed at supporting live music, the Digital Mobility Fund finds its
roots in the Concerts SA Music Mobility Fund. Initiated in 2013, with funding
support for the pilot project from the British Council, the Music Mobility Fund
offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake music tours
across southern Africa. Concerts SA opened the call for applications for the
2020 DIGITAL MOBILITY FUND in September 2020 and again in April and October
this year to encourage ongoing' movement' in the locked-down music sector.
concert links:
Zoe the Seed :
https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/show/words-and-music-zoe-the-seed/?fbclid=IwAR3NkJklzHR3XAYPY793KHYC3befgBot-G4qbvhmy0m79F-qT-pbE4w1330
Neil Gonsalves:
https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/show/words-and-music-neil-gonsalves-trio-2/?fbclid=IwAR1BpmQur48ooZZ_lCalMt4Ltuaq-JF82gQKrIc-cXfPGtJn5LHVXYc9y84
N’den :
https://nationalartsfestival.co.za/show/words-and-music-nden/