Odwa Bongo Salutes Simphiwe Dana and Mthwakazi at Alexander Upstairs

Afro-jazz singer, songwriter and composer, Odwa Bongo, will pay tribute to two of South Africa's most influential musicians, Simphiwe Dana and Mthwakazi, in a special show at the Alexander Upstairs this March.

Dana and Mthwakazi have inspired Odwa's artistry through the soul-feeding music they produce. With his tribute, Bongo will also introduce his own compositions, which are inspired by these respected musicians. Bongo promises that the evening will be unforgettable, with the tribute contributing to his EP.

Bongo is a solo artist inspired by African music and jazz. He was classically trained at the Drakensberg Boys' Choir School under the guidance of Doctor Johann Van Der Sandt, who was the main conductor of the choir at the time. Bongo also received training from Rykie Boeke who was the second conductor of the choir. In 2010, he received the award for "The Best Tenor Soloist" in the choir. He was also chosen to represent South Africa in South Korea with the choir.

In 2012, Bongo was introduced to jazz and was chosen to be a vocalist for the Standard Bank Schools Big Band at the Grahamstown Jazz Festival. He then completed matric at Bridge House in 2013 and in 2014 and also attended The Rainbow Academy. Bongo was awarded the "Best Student of the Year" award in music.

Currently, Bongo is a student at the University of Cape Town studying African Music, his first love. He is also a member of the UCT-Ibuyambo under the guidance of Dizu Plaatjies. In between his studies, Bongo performs around Cape Town and occasionally leaves the country, representing Cape Town talent, to collaborate with other artists in Framewalk, a German youth programme focussed on creating music, dance and theatre.

Bongo's hour-long, intimate music show runs on 12 March at 19:00. Tickets are available from the Alexander Bar website, costing R70 if booked and prepaid online or R80 if paid on collection at the bar. For telephone enquiries, call 021 300 1652. The Alexander Bar, Café and Theatre is situated at 76 Strand Street in the Cape Town city centre and can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

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