Bongeziwe Mabandla to kick off SA tour this November

The tour will kick-off in cape Town on 15 November with the last performance in Johannesburg on 30 November.

Known as the “enigmatic spirit of African Soul,” Mabandla has garnered admiration for his unique fusion of intimate folk, Afro-soul rhythms, and deeply poetic Xhosa lyrics. The tour promises audiences an emotional journey through Mabandla’s poignant compositions that explore themes of heartache, resilience, and cultural pride.

Since amaXesha’s release in May 2023, Mabandla’s music has captivated international audiences, earning critical acclaim from prominent publications like The Guardian, which named it “Global Album of the Month.” His live performances are known for their intimacy and storytelling depth, qualities that have drawn sold-out crowds to venues around the world, including London’s iconic 100 Club and the Reeperbahn Festival in Germany. Now, South African fans will have the opportunity to witness Mabandla’s live artistry, as he returns to his homeland with a carefully curated tour that mirrors the album’s introspective nature.

Working closely with long-time collaborator Tiago Correia-Paulo, Mabandla has developed a distinctive sound that combines Xhosa storytelling with electronic textures and folk-inspired rhythms, positioning him as a leading figure in the Black Alternative movement. This innovative style, which draws on his rural Eastern Cape roots, has achieved both local resonance and universal appeal. Over the course of nine performances, Mabandla will guide audiences through a moving showcase of his journey from small-town beginnings to international acclaim.

The tour will visit venues throughout South Africa, including cities such as Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, and Soweto. Each stop promises to be a powerful celebration of African soul music and a tribute to Mabandla’s unwavering dedication to his craft.

Bongeziwe Mabandla amaXesha tour dates:

• 15 November – The Factory, Cape Town.
• 16 November – The Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch.
• 17 November – Guga S’Thebe, Langa.
• 20 November – Wynand Mouton Theatre, Bloemfontein.
• 22 November – The Music Kitchen, Gqeberha.
• 23 November – Guy Butler Theatre, Makhanda.
• 24 November – Guild Theatre, East London.
• 27 November – Izulu Theatre, Durban.
• 28 November – The State Theatre, Tshwane.
• 29 November – Morris Isaacson Centre, Soweto.
• 30 November – Wits Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg.