SA: Bassline Fest adds Simmy to 2023 line-up

They are local house singer Simmy and German band The Planetoids featuring South African artist Namakau Star. They join local headlining acts Sjava and DBN Gogo as well as Afrotronix (Chad/Canada), Scúru Fitchádu (Cape Verde/Portugal) and Fayazer (Reunion Island).

“The fest is set to be a day of music and celebration of our humanity, resilience and overall incredible creativity and talent that our beautiful African continent births,” Bassline Fest said. “The line-up of artists reflect the inclusivity, diversity and tolerance that the city of Jozi inhabits.”

It added: “Bassline Fest is grateful its presenting partner the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for coming on board in the support of the live music industry and in celebration of Africa month, and its associate partner Castle Lite. Also supporting Bassline Fest will be Music In Africa and the ACCES conference, Jägermeister and Goethe-Institute who have made the performance of The Planetoids featuring Namakau Star possible.”

Born Simphiwe Nhlangulela, Simmy began composing songs at a tender age and signed to Sun-El Musician’s El World Music label in 2017. She released her debut album Tugela Fairy in 2018 which was followed by Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) in 2020. Simmy cites Dolly Parton, Platform One, Brenda Fassie, Soul Brothers as her influences. She has worked with such artists as Ami Faku, Sino Msolo, S-Tone, Sun-El Musician, Da Capo, Mthunzi and Khuzani.

Namakau Star, meanwhile, has made a significant contribution to the alternative R&B and hip hop scene in her country. She has made a number of television appearances and receiving features from various media outlets. She gained popularity in 2021 when she was featured on Apple Music’s curated playlists. In June this year, she launched her seven-track debut EP Landing through German label Paradise Sound System.

Tickets to Bassline Fest 2023 are available here. Find more about Bassline Fest here.