SA: IzangoMa, iPhupho L’ka Biko and Vinnie Mak to play SAST Fringe gig in Pretoria

The event is courtesy of SAST, music stable ALTBLK and independent booking and artist management company Akum Agency. It forms part of the SAST Fringe platform, which provide an opportunity for artists who have been on the fringe, but depend on their artistic and technical talents for a living.

Artists who have performed at previous SAST Fringe events include Nhlanhla Dube, Mathapelo Masilela, Mckenzie Matome, Le Mpendulo, Rivoningo Nkuna and PdotO.

Meet the artists

IzangoMa is a Pretoria-based 15-piece ensemble led by vocalist and guitarist Sibusile Xaba and DJ and producer Ash K. The group’s unique signature and performance creates captivating acoustic ecology which cannot be translated into a specific genre. The group is currently working on a debut album, which is set for release late this year or at the beginning of 2023.

“We want people to dance until any pain engraved in their being dissolves,” IzangoMa said. “We want people to groove until all forms of doubt disappears, to hit deep in their hearts until their heart is light as a feather.”

iPhupho L'ka Biko is known for exploring themes such as spirituality, ritual, tradition, culture, religion, origins, race and displacement in its music. The group aims to conscientise and spiritually awaken the human race globally through music. Its music is not defined by a genre, but by the fusion of jazz, gospel and indigenous African music such as imvumane and igwijo.

Vinnie Mak is a versatile composer and vocalist whose Buffalo City blues genre is a blend of blues, hip hop, house and electronic music. It speaks in colours and emotions and paints in the language of blues, soul and hip hop.

The event is co-curated by Akum Agency and tickets are available here. One ticket grants entry to all three shows. Doors open at 4pm.