Simphiwe Dana

As the undeniable queen of Xhosa pop, Simphiwe Dana has become one of the most illustrious and talked-about stars in the country. Hailed by the media as "South Africa’s Jazz Diva No#1" and "the best thing to happen to Afro-Soul music since Miriam Makeba”, Dana is enjoying sell-out performances both locally and abroad. Her debut album received platinum status, for sales within excess of 40000 units, and with another two albums as well as six SAMA awards to her credit, Dana is nothing short of unstoppable.

Her debut album Zandisile was an instant success, winning Dana the title of Best Newcomer at the 2005 South African Music Awards. In 2007, however, Dana claimed no fewer than four awards, including Best Female Artist, Album of the Year, Best Vocal Jazz Album and Best Contemporary Jazz Album for her 2006 album The One Love Movement On The Bantu Biko Street. Her third album, Kulture Noir, released in 2010, has been hotly anticipated and warmly received.

Dana’s influences include jazz, reggae, jive and traditional Xhosa music, genres which fuse to form a style defined as “Modern African Soul”.  Her appeal is widespread, earning her new fans as far afield as Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands, countries in which she has performed with great success.

Although Dana’s star is bright, her humility and sensibility are always clear.  Her regal presence and flawless voice make her something of a goddess and breathtaking to witness.