In association with POPArt Centre, iSupport Music Business presents A Tribute to Mama Africa by vocalist Thulile Zama at POPArt. 

Vocalist Thulile Zama will be accompanied by Rebekah Doty on drums, David Smith on keys and Sibusiso Mkhonza on Bass Guitar. 

Zama promises to bring the audience “Rhythmic grooves, beautiful lead vocals and basslines that make you move your feet. We have not brought this production to Johannesburg before, this makes us very excited, we are looking forward to a great show.”

Miriam Makeba’s career influenced Thulile Zama and her band members to such extend that they found it fitting to do a tribute in the honour of Mama Africa. Her and her band have chosen songs from different era of her illustrious career including favourites like Pata Pata and Click song, but also the ballads like Promise and the heart wrenching offerings that she penned when she was in exile are included in their set. Mama Africa was very much influential, musically as well as politically throughout the continent and this band feels this should be remembered and celebrated.

“Miriam Makeba's Music was beautiful when it was made, and it is beautiful today. The lyrical content and amazing arrangements influence me as a musician daily. Even in my own original material, I try and produce music that you will still be enjoying in 20 years from now. I feel as much as there are a lot of people who know and love  her music, there are also a lot of people who are only familiar with the songs that became famous like the Click song (Qongqothwane), Mbube and Pata Pata (which are on the repertoire) but, her music is rich and full of depth. She brought to life a lot of songs that I feel also deserve the “limelight” as much as the more famous ones.”  Says Zama

Makeba was a mother to many musicians and to non-musicians. She played a big role in the Apartheid time. She wrote and sang many struggle songs that sent a message abroad and within the country. Her songs addressed issues that South Africa was facing in those difficult times. Songs like in the jungle, Khawuleza and Ibhabhalazi just to name a few. The band has performed A Tribute to Mama Africa in theatres and live music venues across South Africa, namely in Pretoria, Hammarsdale, Kloof and Pietermaritzburg. 

Audience Responses

Great venue good show definitely be back

Great!

Best tribute.we had fun

Just wish the venue was bigger!