SA: Bongeziwe Mabandla and Blick Bassy to play Johannesburg show

The concert, which will see the two artists playing each other’s compositions, is courtesy of artist management agency Black Major, French label NØ FØRMAT! and the French Institute of South Africa.

The two musicians will also present a new interpretation of some of their works. They will be joined by Mabandla’s frequent collaborator, Tiago Correia-Paulo of 340ml fame, and Arno de Casanove.

Over the past decade, Mabandla has carved out a name for himself as an enigmatic spirit of African soul. The musician boasts a fan base around the globe with three critically acclaimed albums and has graced many local and international stages.

In 2019, Bassy’s released the critically acclaimed 1958 album – a nostalgic project that takes its name from the year Cameroonian political activist and freedom fighter Ruben Um Nyobé was assassinated. The album offers a rich blend of vocals and complex instrumentation. Thematically, it delves into historic traditions and aspects inherited by younger generations.

Bassy first performed as part of Cameroonian band Macase before relocating to France where he released his debut solo album Léman in 2009, which was followed by Hongo Calling in 2011. His song ‘Kiki’ from the album Akö was featured as the theme song for the worldwide launch of the iPhone 6 in 2015.

Purchase tickets to the concert here.