Bayabizana

The fresh sounds of Bayabizana may fool you into believing that Thembi Mtshali is a gifted new artist, but this is just the latest from a music industry veteran. In fact it was her love of music that got her into an industry that has come to adore her for her numerous talents over the last few decades. Having started the process of putting it together a few years ago, and taking much longer than expected to reach completion, this eagerly anticipated album is reaching the public at a time when reflection and celebration is important.

The album is dedicated to the memory of her long time friend, and former collaborator Sipho Gumede. Once the lead vocalist of Gumede’s band Peace, she has revisited that part of her life, by re-recording some of the songs they did together. “I was one of the luckiest people to have known and worked with this true South African gift,” she says.

Among the gifted musicians she had the pleasure of working with on this album is another notable South African talent, bass player Victor Masondo, who describes working with Thembi as being an experience that felt like history in the making. Though the album pays homage to the past, it is seemingly more relevant in the present moment, than ever before.

On this record she also works with a fellow legend, Joe Arthur who compares her musical gift to that of the late Miriam Makeba. Her powerful and matured voice, lends itself well to songs which range from African Jazz standards, to the 80s grooves that made their mark on the history of South African music.

On reflecting on her life and career musically, Thembi looks back and realises that in spite of any mistakes that were made, or choices that she may question now, she has no regrets. Everything has been part of an amazing jour ney – her journey.

About to turn 60, Bayabizana is not only a celebration of Thembi’s almost 40 years in show business, but also her life. This album takes listeners on a timeless musical journey that starts in Thembi’s childhood home in KwaMashu, and continues around the world.