Bassline I AM LIVE announces 21 May concert line-up

I AM LIVE is part of Bassline’s From Lockdown to Live concert series. It will be the third instalment of the series, after Bassline held I AM HOME in May 2020 and I AM HERE in partnership with the Music In Africa Foundation’s ACCES music conference in late 2021.

Nakhane will be joined by Sun-El Musician (South Africa), Bongeziwe Mabandla (South Africa), Aurus (Reunion) and Ms Party (South Africa).

“The last time I was home was just before the pandemic, so it’s been a while,” Nakhane said. “I miss South Africa’s energy. That I’ll be playing a show as well is an even better gift.”

The concert is supported by the Department of Sport Arts and Culture to celebrate Africa Month. Bassline Fest’s Brad Holmes said the organisers were excited to showcase top African musicians.

“What this event does is aid the live music industry as a whole as it creates work for the full live music industry ecosystem – from production to marketing, performing service providers and artists,” Holmes said. “Nakhane is culturally relevant, appealing to various subcultures, trendsetters, the LGBTQI community, fashion lovers, diversity and inclusion champions, and art lovers.”

Bassline Fest event promoter Paige Holmes added that the concert would celebrate “creativity and the talent Africa has. The line-up of award-winning artists reflects the inclusivity, diversity and tolerance that the city of Jozi inhabits.”

Nakhane is one of the most culturally significant artists to come out of Africa in recent years. Nakhane draws inspiration from musicians including Anohni, Busi Mhlongo, David Bowie, Mbongwana Star and Nina Simone. Nakhane has released two full-length albums: Brave Confusion (2013) and You Will Not Die (2019). The artist’s achievements are not only confined to music and has appeared in film productions such as Inxeba (The Wound), Anthem: Homunculus and Two Eyes.

Meanwhile, Music In Africa is giving away five double tickets to the Bassline I AM LIVE concert. Enter the competition here.

Tickets to the Bassline I AM LIVE concert can be purchased here.