SA: Zimbini to play Artscape Theatre on 2 July

Zimbini Engomeni, which loosely translates to ‘Zimbini in song’, will showcase the international performer’s decade-long music career. The event is courtesy of the Artscape Theatre and Elvis Sibeko Studios.

The concert follows the release of the soundscape artist’s debut album Ndiyehlela. The double album will be relaunched at the concert and will be available on digital platforms thereafter. 

The showcase will also feature fellow South African singer and The Soil member Buhlebendalo. The two artists will perform the theme song ‘Hata’, meaning ‘be careful’ in Xhosa, live for the first time.

“Featured in this show are singers who have worked with Zimbini over the years,” studio director Elvis Sibeko said. “They will be singing songs that are in her latest double CD, Ndiyehlela. The show consists of two 45 minutes acts with a 20 minute interval. It uses music, electrifying dance pieces, digital sounds and spectacular stage lighting to create a wonderful musical theatre experience.”

In 2012, Zimbini joined a spoken word movement called Lingua Franca as a lead vocalist. She later began composing her own music and wrote soundscapes for theatre productions around Cape Town. The musician, who has also directed and performed in theatre productions, has amassed a number of accolades, including Fleur Du Cap Theatre Awards for the Best Sound Design, Original Soundscape and Live Performance.

Buhlebendalo, meanwhile, has carved out a cult following of her own with many performances in Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania and North America, including WOMAD, Edinburgh Festival, AfroVibes, Africa Now! Festival, White Nights and Bassline.

The concert will begin at 3pm. Purchase tickets to event here.