Maswana has given a deceptively humble title to his show:
A celebration of African song! It promises little and delivers a lot. His power as a vocalist and song stylist becomes apparent as soon as the first tune lifts off. It’s a prayer, a hymn that offers, thanks to the creator of all for song, breath and life. The flow of the song allows him to introduce audiences to his range as a singer, dipping down to the lower registers and soaring ebulliently to the upper reaches of his voice.
Dumza Maswana. Image: Supplied
The rapport Maswana shares with his group of musicians is evident in every lilt and phrase. They are a band that is more than the sum of its parts. Trumpeter Sakhile Simani plays his horns like a man charged with the task of announcing the majesty of something sacred. As the repertoire unfolds, it becomes clear that guitarist Bongani Tulwana, who also plays flute and percussion, is a musical force too. The rhythm section is manned by Mthokozisi Mabuza on piano, Grant