Thandiswa Mazwai is set to charm her fans in Johannesburg this weekend as she gears up for the release of her fourth studio album, ‘Sankofa’.
Thandiswa revealed to Independent Media Lifestyle that her musical showcase at Carnival City holds a dual purpose as it is not only a platform for unveiling her latest musical endeavour, but it also commemorates the 20th anniversary of her debut solo album, ‘Zabalaza’. Among the standout tracks from her release is ‘Nizalwa Ngobani’, a song that has struck a chord with audiences across generations.
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As anticipation rises for the release of ‘Sankofa’, Thandiswa continues to push artistic boundaries. The album, dropping on 10 May delves into themes of childhood trauma and collective identity. Thandiswa explained, “A lot of my work, especially with my solo albums, is usually looking at much bigger ideas about the collective of us as black people.”
‘Sankofa’, is recorded across multiple continents, and is a testament to Thandiswa’s Pan-African vision. Drawing inspiration from Ghana, the album incorporates a diverse array of sounds and influences.
Thandiswa collaborated with musicians from Senegal and Zimbabwe, blending traditional African instruments with contemporary sensibilities. The result is a rich tapestry of sonic experiences that celebrate the cultural heritage of the continent.
“The album was recorded in Johannesburg Dakar and New York. The sounds on the album are from mostly West Africa.
“I got together with Tendai Shoko, a base player from Zimbabwe. We sat together and did the pre-production. We put Xhosa instruments like Uhadi and Umrhubhe.”
For fans eager to experience Thandiswa’s performance firsthand, the Carnival City’s Big Top Arena is the place to be on Saturday, May 11, at 8pm. Tickets are available for R350 at Computicket
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