Thandiswa Mazwai Brings ‘Sankofa’ Magic to Cape Town
3 min read
Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre was abuzz with excitement on Saturday, July 20, as Thandiswa Mazwai graced the stage with her new album, Sankofa. The event, a collaboration with Castle Milk Stout, celebrated Mazwai’s unique blend of traditional and modern music.
The performance was part of Mazwai’s promotional tour for Sankofa, released in May 2024. The album’s title, meaning “to go back and fetch what’s been left behind” in Ghana’s Twi language, perfectly aligns with Castle Milk Stout’s mission of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
Khwezi Vika, Castle Milk Stout’s Marketing Manager, elaborated on the partnership: “We regard Thandiswa as family. We worked with her in 2018 on a campaign called Clan Beat, centered around clan names, which is called iziduko.” He added that the album’s message of ‘Sankofa’ resonates with their ‘Lost Stories of Culture’ campaign, which aims to preserve African traditions and values. “It’s a match made in heaven. Both brands speak the same message: let’s not lose sight of who we are as Africans, and let’s not lose sight of our traditions and values.”
When asked about Castle Milk Stout’s role in promoting local artists, Vika explained, “I wouldn’t say we play a specific role in promoting local artists, but as a brand, we’re all about preserving African culture and tradition. Our brand exists to inspire Africans to rediscover their traditions and values in a modern world. We focus on culture and tradition.”
The concert received enthusiastic feedback from fans. One attendee described it as “amazing,” praising the band and the lively atmosphere. Another fan, who attended alone, highlighted ‘Sabela’ as her favorite track from Sankofa. Another attendee connected deeply with Mazwai’s song ‘Nizalwa Ngobani?’, noting how its lyrics resonated more profoundly as an adult.
During a Sunday brunch, Mazwai reflected on her artistic evolution since recording Ibokwe: “In the 12 years since Ibokwe, I started exploring a jazzy version of my work and collaborated with a band called the Black Jacks. I’ve been experimenting with different sounds to create something fresh and new.”
When asked about her future plans to return to Cape Town, Mazwai responded enthusiastically: “I do want to come back to Cape Town more often. Last time, I thought maybe I should do a three-day event because there’s so much we can do. We could even meditate together.”
The Sankofa concert in Cape Town highlighted Thandiswa Mazwai’s dedication to blending tradition with modernity and her commitment to cultural preservation. The event not only showcased her new album but also underscored the importance of celebrating and maintaining African heritage in today’s world. Mazwai’s performance, in partnership with Castle Milk Stout, served as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that African music and traditions offer.
Fans left the Artscape Theatre with a renewed appreciation for their roots and a deeper connection to Mazwai’s music, eagerly anticipating her next visit to Cape Town. The success of the event demonstrated the enduring appeal of Mazwai’s artistry and the resonance of her message of cultural rediscovery and preservation.
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