SA: Umle’s acoustic tour to kick off on 12 March

The tour follows the release of their debut EP Abantwana Belanga on 28 October. The band will also perform in Pretoria, Gqeberha and Cape Town in March and April. Umle said concertgoers could expect high-quality performances throughout the tour. Fast-rising emerging rapper Laliboi will join the duo for their final performance at Sir Anthony in Johannesburg on 23 April.

Another key highlight of the tour will be when Umle opens the South African State Theatre (SAST) Fringe concert programme in Pretoria on 13 March. The event is courtesy of ALTBLK and Akum Agency, and will feature shows from Soweto band Urban Village, which will tour Europe in May, and Sibusile Xaba, who fuses maskandi, malombo and desert blues with meandering lyrics. Lesotho singer and songwriter Leomile, whose music is a tapestry in Sesotho and English, will also perform on the day.

Umle draws inspiration from thought-provoking posts on social media to pressing social issues that affect ordinary citizens. With the COVID-19 pandemic being their toughest challenge, Umle want to share their experiences with fans to make them awaken to the glimmer of hope found in every challenge.

“There’s magic in suffering, and there’s a bit of humour in every sad story, you just need to be aware to see it. In all this suffering, we will be alright,” the duo says.

Umle comprises Siyabonga Radu and Siphamandla Fete who both grew up in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The two musicians fuse urban, Xhosa folk, electro, maskandi, kasi rap and soul melodies. Their seven-track EP offers listeners a potent dose of encapsulating vocals and distinct musical textures.

The SAST Fringe show will start at 2pm. Purchase tickets to the event here, or at the door.