Zahara mania

South Africa’s new singing sensation Zahara and her 10 backers arrive in Malawi Friday for the Standard Bank’s Joy of Jazz concert at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe.

Standard Bank marketing manager Tidziwanji Chalamba says tickets to the jazz night, also starring Malawi jazz maestro Wambali Mkandawire, are sold out.

 “We printed over 1 000 tickets and have been sold out, meaning those who did not buy in advance have lost the opportunity to be part of this fun,” said Chalamba.

This certainly does not come as a surprise to those familiar with the songstress’ impeccable record.  Loliwe, the first album from the 23-year-old acoustic guitarist, singer-songwriter and poet (real name Bulelwa Mkutukana) sold out in only 72 hours. So talented is she that some industry professionals are already seeing her as the heir to the late great Miriam Makeba.

She and her band will land at Kamuzu International Airport in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, around 12.30pm, said Chalamba. Afterwards, she will address the press before going for rehearsals for the 8pm showdown on Saturday.

A born-again Christian, Zahara told the press in her country she wants to touch people with her music, hence, she has a “God” in almost all of her songs.

Her album, performed in isiXhosa and English, features spiritually uplifting ballads such as Destiny and Ndiza.

But Zahara’s success story should be an inspiration to all up-and-coming musicians. She says her recent exploits mask the challenges she faced a few years back when she was still a rural girl trying to make it in the industry.

“I can’t remember how many of my demos were rejected by major record labels. Even radio stations didn’t want to play my music, and as a young artist that really set me back, but I guess God has his own time,” she told MIO magazine.

Her prayers were answered in March 2010 when TS Records co-founder Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza saw her performing at a club in East London. He instantly liked her, proposed a deal and late last year she made her debut live DVD appearance on Nhlanhla Nciza’s DVD, performing her hit song Loliwe. Who knows what awaits the sold-out audience on Saturday?

The jazz experience in Lilongwe is part of celebrations marking the bank’s 150 years existence in Africa. Other performances on the night will be done by the Four Seasons’ Jazz Image, Malingaka and African Bible College’s Mingoli Band.

The East Londoner scooped eight accolades at this year’s South African Music Awards.

On the Other hand, local Afro-jazz kingpin Wambali Mkandawire is a Kola
and Channel O Awards nominee.