Spha Mdlalose is taking the music
home! The Durban born artist is gearing up for an electric performance at The University of KwaZulu Natal’s Jazz Centre on the 9th
April at 17:30.
This will be the first time the artist performs
the album with a full band in her home city; a place that Mdlalose says
inspired the themes and stories of the debut offering. Ironically too, the albums title ‘Idleleyekhaya’ translates to “The way
home”.
Indle’eyekhaya which was released in 2019 to
much acclaim earned Mdlalose three SAMA (South African Music Awards)
nominations and cemented her place in the South African music industry. The
album itself is a soul-stirring fusion of jazz, gospel, and soul ,deeply rooted
in her South African heritage and eclectic upbringing. Singing primarily in
isiXhosa and her native language of isiZulu, Mdlalose crafts a deeply personal
and emotionally rich journey that transcends language- speaking straight to the
heart. It is both a tribute to her influences and a reflection on home, family,
and identity—most poignantly expressed in "D 103," a heartfelt homage
to her late grandfather. Supported by an ensemble of top South African
musicians, the music moves with an undeniable groove and depth, proving that
true artistry knows no borders and that music truly has the power to heal. Indlel’eyekhaya
isn’t just an album—it’s an experience that speaks to the soul. In a world of
singers, Mdlalose is a "singer's singer", effortlessly breathing life
into every lyric and able to use her instrument to convey emotion,
effortlessly. Her voice is distinct and clear; boasting a mezzo soprano range
that is captivating and beautiful. She is simply a singer you have to see live,
a singer you have to experience. Audiences can expect to be transported, healed
and deeply moved by this presentation.
Gig listing:
Spha Mdlalose
09 April Wednesday 2025
Doors open at 17:00, Music starts at 17:30
UKZN, Centre for Jazz and Popular Music
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Howard College
Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2
Tickets: R130, R95 for pensioners, R65 for
students
Online Tickets available on webtickets : https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1564347428
This concert is
made possibly through the support of Concerts SA, the Festival Enterprise
Catalyst, SAMRO, the National Treasury Jobs Fund, and IKS Cultural Consulting.
Spha Mdlalose Biography
Spha
Mdlalose is a South African singer-songwriter known for her soulful blend of
jazz, gospel, and soul. Originally born in the township of Umlazi in Kwazulu
Natal, her initial introduction to jazz happened in high school when a teacher
heard her sing at a school talent show and gave her a solo in the jazz band. So
began a love affair with this genre of music that would soon change the
course of her life. After high school Mdlalose went on to complete her studies
in music, where she obtained a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) at the
illustrious South African College of Music (SACM) at the University of Cape
Town, all while performing in and around the city and gaining a name
for herself.
Shortly
after graduating, Mdlalose moved to Johannesburg to further her music career.
In 2019, she released her 3 time South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominated
album, "Indlel'eyekhaya," to much acclaim. The offering perfectly
showcases her diverse musical influences and is praised for its emotive depth and
authenticity. In a world of singers, Mdlalose is a "singer's singer",
effortlessly breathing life into every lyric and able to use her instrument to
convey emotion. Her voice is distinct and clear; boasting a mezzo soprano range
that is captivating and beautiful. She is simply a singer you have to
experience live!
Spha
has performed at notable festivals on the South African jazz calendar such as
the Standard Bank Makhanda Jazz Festival, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz
Festival and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival She has also
collaborated and performed with artist and bands such as the Jazz at the
Lincoln Centre Big Band, Israel Houghton, Sibongile Khumalo Yvonne Chaka Chaka,
Micasa, Oliver Mthukudzi to name just a few. Spha was also the featured artist
at the 13th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture with keynote speaker
Melinda Gates.
