Nakhane Toure to Join Suzanne Vega for South African Tour in November

The young, multi-talented local musician, singer and songwriter Nakhane Touré will be joining the Suzanne Vega SA Tour in November 2013 as the supporting bill guest artist.

Best known for her mega hit, "Luka" and the ever popular "Tom's Diner" Suzanne Vega will perform in Cape Town at the Paul Cluver Forest Amphiteatre on Saturday, 2 November and the Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg on Sunday, 3 November 2013.

"Quite some time ago, my best friend was playing a song I recognised, but at that moment couldn't name. It was 'Zephyr & I' from Suzanne Vega's 'Beauty & Crime' album. I was stopped in my tracks: that voice, the propulsive drums. We often spoken about how her songwriting is pure genius especially her lyrics and when we both worked at Look & Listen, and we would grab the opportunity to play her music in store. Never in a million years did I think that I would one day share a stage with a musician of her stature. I am stunned and incredibly excited. She is a gem. The wait is torturous," says Touré.

Born in the small town of Alice in the Eastern Cape, Nakhane Touré grew up in Port Elizabeth before relocating to Johannesburg at the age of 15. Born Nakhane Mahlakahlaka, this 25-year-old guitar-playing singer chose his artistic name in reverence to Ali Farka Touré.

Touré began performing in 2011 and made is recording debut earlier this year with releases produced by Matthew Fink/Just Music. His first release was the EP Abraham which contained three songs written by Touré and covers of The Cure's Just Like Heaven and a parody rendition of Radiohead's Optimistic. Rolling Stone SA praised the lyrics "As an EP, Abraham is the beginning of an autobiography that swells with a kind of universal biography". Next, Touré recorded a teaser single, Christopher for the album 2013: Just Music, also produced by Matthew Fink.

Touré's musical style is best described as highly personal. His lyrics share his heartfelt emotions, conflicts and life questions set to an interesting blend of indigenous African music and indie rock while incorporating the influences of choral music. The Mail & Guardian described his voice as "Jeff Buckley meets Thom Yorke".

Touré grew up listening to the sounds of 60's and 70's soul music, especially that of Marvin Gaye, The O'Jays and Paul Simon. Having sung with his family in church choirs for most of his youth, he has a love of harmony and choral music. After being introduced to alternative music, Touré learnt to play the guitar at the age of 19, which also led to an appreciation for folk music and rock bands especially the music of international musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Nina Simone. Touré has a deep rooted admiration for African musicians Simphiwe Dana, Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Thandiswa Mazwai and of course, Ali Farka Touré. His influences are not limited to music. He also appreciates the vivid art of Henri de Toulouse Lautrec and the literature of Toni Morrison and James Baldwin, often transferring their style of writing to his music.

Soon this young musician has the opportunity of a lifetime when he plays in Cape Town and Johannesburg as the supporting act for Suzanne Vega.

Brought to South Africa by Charl van Heyningen Enterprises in association with Rolling Stone magazine, Suzanne Vega brings her special style of melodious music that is bound to bring back memories to music enthusiasts who enjoy the sounds of the '80's.

Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been labeled contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album she has given sold-out concerts in many of the world's best-known halls.

Experience the talented Suzanne Vega up close and personal and South Africa's very own Nakhane Touré. It's an evening of memorable music. Book now at Computicket. For further show information visit www.suzannevega.com or www.montecasino.co.za.

Photo by Just Music