For many South Africans, Lebo M’s voice and compositions are the soundtrack of memory and pride.
Now, Cape Town will set the global stage for a landmark moment in African music history, as the Grammy Award-winning South African legend Lebo M presents his first ever live concert in Cape Town, Lebo M Live with special guest, Academy Award-winner Hans Zimmer.
“My music is, and always will be, rooted in home soil,” says Lebo M.
“Staging my very first live concert in South Africa, and especially in Cape Town, a city so rich in culture and spirit is a dream long in the making.
"To be able to share this moment with my dear friend Hans Zimmer makes it even more meaningful.
"We’ve created magic together around the world, but to bring that magic home, to perform for my people at home, is deeply emotional and truly special. This concert is a celebration of where it all began and the journey still ahead."
From The Power of One to The Lion King, Lebo M's soundtracks have become global anthems, his arrangements capturing the spirit and soul of Africa in ways that transcend language.
His long-overdue Cape Town debut comes with significant backing from the City of Cape Town as the official partner and the Western Cape Province as the event partner, a flection of how important this moment is for the province and the country.
The all-star lineup features a world-class ensemble, including MiCasa, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, the Soweto Spiritual Singers, Drakensberg Boys Choir and the Ndlovu Youth Choir, alongside rising stars Refi Sings and Nkosinathi Shabalala, son of the late Joseph Shabalala of Black Smith Mambazo.
The concert takes place at the Grand Arena at Grand West on Friday, April 18. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.co.za
Preceding the concert on Friday, film and music workshops will be hosted from 9am – 1pm at the Artscape Theatre Centre, to empower Africa’s next generation of creatives.
Discussions will cover each step of the creative process – from composition, to meeting the public in the new, digital age.
Featured speakers include multi-award-winning artist Yanga Chief, internationally acclaimed producer and performer Tresor, and Temi Adenji, Managing Director at Warner Music Africa.
Cape Argus