Miriam Makeba News

Diversionary Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its production of The High Table, by Temi Wilkey, directed by Niyi Coker Jr.  The High Table will run February 9 – March 5 (press opening on February 18) at Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. 

It was a historic night of enlightenment, emotion, and of course, inspired Jazz performances at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards: Celebrating The Spirit of Jazz, held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Somi is preparing to make her debut performance at Carnegie Hall with her own band on November 18.  This highly-anticipated debut concert will offer a transatlantic mix of modern jazz, soul, and African pop, calling upon Somi's all-star tribute to the great “Mama Africa” on Zenzile.

Carlo Mombelli has released 'Lullaby For Planet Earth' with Wolfgang Muthspiel and Jorge Rossy on Swiss Label CYH. In his 40-year career as a bassist, bandleader, composer and writer, South African Carlo Mombelli, who currently lives in Johannesburg, has built bridges between genres, musicians and audiences

Few artists in the history of American music have been able to stay relevant decade after decade like Tijuana Brass titan Herb Alpert. The music icon, philanthropist and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee returns with his latest studio effort, Sunny Side Of The Street. The prolific musician’s new set of 11 songs features six original compositions.

At last, a show that pays tribute to all your favourite South African Artists. Jabulani  a Homegrown Tribute is performed by some of Cape Town's top musicians guaranteed to get any audience on their feet.   This show is truly an aural and visual treat!

Leading local promoter Showtime Management is proud to share the news of ‘An Intimate Evening with Gregory Porter’ in association with Cape Talk at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town on 21 January at 7pm followed by three Johannesburg concerts in association with 702 at Montecasino’s Teatro on 26, 27 and 28 January at 8pm.

The DC Jazz Festival today announced the three bands chosen as the 2022 DCJazzPrix Finalists, all of whom will perform Saturday, September 3, 2022 during the DCJazzPrix Finals at Union Stage, part of the 18th Annual DC JazzFest. The finalists are:

New York Theatre Workshop announced today that Patricia McGregor will succeed James C. Nicola as Artistic Director, following a yearlong search led by ALJP Consulting and a dedicated search committee of artists, staff and Trustees.

New York Theatre Workshop and National Black Theatre will present Dreaming Zenzile, based on the life of Miriam Makeba, by Grammy-nominated Vocalist/Composer Somi Kakoma, directed by Obie Award winner, Tony Award nominee, NYTW Usual Suspect & former NYTW 2050 Artistic Fellow Lileana Blain-Cruz.

World Music Institute co-presents WOMEN'S VOICES SERIES with City Winery, Sunday, May 22, 2022 at The Loft at City Winery - 25 11th Ave (at 15th St), Manhattan.

One of the all-time greats of Brazilian jazz fusion, Flora Purim, returns with her first studio album in over 15 years, ‘If You Will’, released on Strut on 29th April. Conceived as a celebration of her music and collaborations, the album explores new compositions alongside fresh versions of Flora’s favourite personal songs and positive lyrics from across her varied career.

New York Theatre Workshop and National Black Theatre announced today casting, dates and ticket information for Dreaming Zenzile, based on the life of Miriam Makeba, by Grammy-nominated Vocalist/Composer Somi Kakoma directed by Obie Award winner, NYTW Usual Suspect & former NYTW 2050 Artistic Fellow Lileana Blain-Cruz.

Grammy award-winning artist Kathy Mattea released today a special rendition of Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real’s “Turn Off The News (Build A Garden).” The song was captured during a recent taping of Mountain Stage, the live performance radio program produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed by NPR Music. “I haven’t fallen this hard for a song in a good long while,” stated Mattea. “It makes its point in such an elegant way. It’s very rare these days to see something so skillfully written, not provoking or aggressive, but not backing away from the issue either.”

GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Somi unveils “Khuluma” featuring Msaki. The track comes from the East African singer-songwriter’s forthcoming album. The fifth studio record from Somi honors the late South African singer-songwriter and civil rights activist Miriam Makeba; and its March 4 release date marks what would have been Makeba’s 90th birthday. 

Dreaming Zenzile is a thrilling new musical based on the life and music of superstar Miriam Makeba, the legendary singer, songwriter, actress, United Nations goodwill ambassador, and civil rights activist. This world-premiere tour—written/performed by GRAMMY®-nominated music sensation Somi and directed by award-winning artist Lileana Blain-Cruz—is an electrifying portrait of a revolutionary artist’s singular voice and vision.

lduda@resnicow.com

This March Flushing Town Hall will present a Women's History Month series featuring four, unique performances celebrating iconic women of music history - women whose talent, boldness, and originality overcame barriers in the male-dominated spaces of their time.

Special Offer - Final week to see Dreaming Zenzile!

On February 11th and just in time for Valentine’s Day, Grammy-nominated vocalist SOMI will release her new single, “Love Tastes Like Strawberries,” featuring two-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and vocalist Gregory Porter. The track is from Somi’s fifth studio album, Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba. Pre-save the new album now!