Saturday 21 October
This performance by Zoe the Seed at The Jazzy Rainbow is part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit which aims to foster a love and support for live music in our communities, as well as anchor small and medium sized venues in urban and rural Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
Durban’s The Jazzy Rainbow, in association with Concerts SA, launched its first straight jazz programme on the eve of Heritage Day in September2016 and is following up with the same concept in 2017. “#JazzyStraightAhead is about introducing regular, live, straight jazz concerts to our city in order to help keep the music alive,” says Oliver-Rene Haas. “
Zoe the seed is a Swazi born vocalist and song writer. Upon finishing her higher school education she enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to study Jazz and popular music. She holds a bachelor’s degree in performance for jazz and popular music. Ever since she started taking Jazz classes, a whole new perspective on music was born within her. Every performance carries diverse sounds that symbolise that certain moment. The music can be very experimental since she has many influences- from soul to jazz classics, reggae, rock and gospel. Her vocal expressions tackle and impart the deepest emotion to the listener since her writing is influenced by experiences people go through. The lyrical content promotes love and respect and stands against women and child abuse. She is currently working on fusing different styles- like jazz, soul and hip hop music- in her original compositions.
“Next time you get a chance, make sure you go to hear Zoe the Seed. I had the pleasure yesterday at the BAT Centre, and what a show!” – Salim Washington
Zoe the Seed had the opportunity to be a drummer in an all-female jazz band based in Durban, Heels Over Head, who were nominated for the MTN 2011 SAMA awards for best jazz album. Heels over Head won the Yamaha talent search in 2010. Zoe took part in composing songs for the independently recorded album COULD IT BE in 2010. Zoe has been involved in a number of Gospel projects as well, but her main love is Jazz. Her repertoire, hugely influenced by African jazz, comprises mostly her own compositions, written in her mother tongue, SiSwati, and a few covers.
“Vocalist Zoe Masuku is a beautiful sound and energy. Her voice has the clarity and power of such superstars as Celia Cruz and Clementina DeJesus, Aretha Franklin, but not really like any of them, definitely her own sound. The music is not only beautiful, but it is also well executed with craft and soul.” – Salim Washington
The band is smoking also- Zibusiso Makhathini on keyboards playing deftly and effortlessly, guitarist Bethuel Tshoane always finding a climax in any solo that he endeavours, drummer Sbu Zondi playing Afro pop and modal grooves with jazz-like precision, and Dalisu Ndlazi, who has bonded with the electric bass.
Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian live music development project housed within the SAMRO Foundation. Concerts SA receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAMRO, the SAMRO Foundation and Concerts Norway. Working with musicians, promoters, venue owners and audiences, and providing support to the sector through research and skills development for music professionals, the project aims to build a vibrant and viable live music circuit in southern Africa. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools.
For more information please visit our website http://concertssa.co.za, follow @ConcertsSA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ConcertsSA or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConcertsSA.
Date: Saturday 21st October
Time: doors open 7pm
Venue; The Jazzy Rainbow, 93 Smiso Nkwanyana Rd,Morningside
Tickets: R70 including a free drink for students (T&C)
Bookings: phone 031-3038398 or email jazzyrainbow@mweb.co.za