Artists keep the music flowing during pandemic

Despite operating under the dark cloud of the Covid-19 pandemic, artists have dug deep into their reserves to unleash gems that keep their fan base satisfied.

Sandiso Nduna’s high-tempo hit Into Yam, which is bound to be popular this festive season, is a song of appreciation where the crooner celebrates being alive during these trying times.

Nduna, of Gugulethu, is better known as Pinno in music circles.

Pinno, an accomplished singer, songwriter and record producer, has been working on his solo career.

He released Into Yam last Friday, November 26.

He worked with the likes of Major Tool in production, with Lizo Mnyani on bass, Denver Damons on guitar, and Siphe Tebeka doing the mixing and sound engineering.

Pinno originates from a musical family. His father Lami Vanyaza is a renowned chorister, while his his uncle Zuko Vanyaza is an established actor, voice-over artist and musician.

The new single Into Yami is available on most music platforms that include Spotify, Apple Music and ITunes.

Another singing sensation is Thulani Fesi who last performed to a sold-out audience at Khayelitsha community hall.

Fesi said he took a leap of faith earlier in the year and started a band.

He said it was mind-blowing to get onto the stage in front of a room filled with his supporters.

The gospel singer has many exciting plans ahead for his music career and hopes to continue making his supporters proud.

He dreams of sharing his talent with the world and inspire nations, not just with his singing but through the testimony of his life story.

Xoliswa Mayekane launched her music video for the single iMvula on Sunday November 28 at the Look Out Hill.

Mayekane’s love for music started at an early age when she used to travel with her father, Mxolisi Mayekane, attending his rehearsals with other legendary musicians. She also had the opportunity to attend music events with her father as a performer and she would cry and want to be on stage along with her father and his colleagues.

On the day of the launch Mayekane performed with her legendary father.

Last, but not least, Nyanga’s globe-trotting Herbie Tsoaeli is in town this weekend with a few gigs lined-up.

Bassist, composer and arranger, Tsoaeli is the 2013 Best Jazz Album South African Music Awards winner, for his debut album African Time.

Better known as “uMalume” by most of his fans on the South African jazz scene, following his hit Hamba No Malume from the African Time album, Tsoaeli’s music is a combination of different elements of South African music and jazz.

He refers to his music as a spiritual experience and has coined the term “Jazz Moya” to describe it, which means jazz influenced by spirits.

He will start by running a free music workshop on Friday December 3 at Tshisimani Centre in Mowbray; will make an appearance at 4 Roomed eKasi on Saturday December 4 and conclude with a performance at Sikis Cafe on Sunday December 5 .