Video: Supplied pic.twitter.com/20qPnlBP3P– Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) November 6, 2025| Fresh from a world tour across Europe, the US and Latin America, Bongeziwe Mabandla returns home for his ‘Solo’ tour. Video: Supplied pic.twitter.com/20qPnlBP3P— Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) November 6, 2025
Sowetan: The solo tour has a very personal purpose. What is the purpose of your solo tour? ‘solo’ Mabandla: Solo to me means I am alone, on and offstage. I had to do many things alone, and I prepared and rehearsed by myself. Sowetan: Has performing on international stages changed your view of your roots and music?Mabandla : I see and absorb a lot, and that influences me so much. I am influenced by the culture and art in many ways. I have spent a good deal of time in other countries this year and it has really changed how I view things. I feel I have a global understanding of things, and I have exposed myself to so much.Sowetan: What inspired the new compositions, and do they differ in style or theme from your previous work?Mabandla: It’s a new song called Yalwa, inspired by my niece and nephew. This song came about because I wanted to help them realize their worth. It’s about destiny and lineage. Sowetan: How do you balance staying authentic to your cultural heritage while exploring new musical influences from other parts of the world?Mabandla: I have been incredibly fortunate by being an artist who has been experimenting with sounds for a while now, so it’s become very important for me to bring something new with each project and explore different sounds. So, this album is sure to be full of surprises. With this album I experienced a lot of new things and was taken to many different places. First impressions include the colors performance. [the song] Sisahleleleni, [amaXesha being selected as] Global Album of the Month by UK’s The Guardian, [winning Best African Pop Award at the] Metro FM Music Awards [in 2024] Mabandla, what do you want fans to take away from your solo shows during this tour? Sowetan [get] To experience my more intimate side and I hope they [feel] My gratitude and love. It’s a great exchange between the artists and their audiences. I want to send a message of optimism in these difficult times.
2025-11-06 06:42:22
