Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, has announced that multiple award winning Thandiswa Mazwai is now signed to Universal Music South Africa.
The label will be distributing her new album Belede, which will be available from November 25th 2016.
Managing Director of Universal Music South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa Sipho Dlamini is thrilled to welcome Thandiswa to the Universal family. “This is such an honour, it’s been a pleasure watching you grow into your space and see the ease in which you occupy it. We are delighted to participate in your project, Belede an amazing album, we wanted to do a deal as soon as we heard it, this is a beautiful reflection of where Thandiswa is in her journey and the message she wants to share with us.”
Thandiswa is equally elated, “Having been in the industry for so long, I’ve known the team here from since when I started with Bongo Maffin in 1998, so it’s just comfortable. I’m happy that Universal music will make sure that everyone gets to hear the amazing music.”
Belede, a jazz tribute album named after Thandiswa’s late mother, is her third album and her first studio album in seven years. “Making this album was a sonic delight and I feel blessed to have been able to sing some of these songs and pay tribute to some of the most rebellious and monumental musicians of my time.”
There are many reasons why artists, especially those touted as the voices of their generations, may want to revisit anthems. In Thandiswa’s case, the political temperature of this post-apartheid dispensation calls for this decisive move. “I’ve reimagined these songs for a new space and time, and what’s interesting is that even though a lot of these songs were written as rebel music against Apartheid, they still make sense in South Africa now. They still have the same impact, ask the same questions and evoke the same actions.”
Thandiswa co-created the album with a core trio of drummer Ayanda Sikade, pianist Nduduzo Makhathini and bassist Herbie Tsoaeli, with years of history between them, do an impeccable job of contributing virtuoso playing while anticipating Thandiswa’s vocal crests and waves.
The album will be available for Pre-Order on iTunes this Friday with her first single ‘Jikijela’ available as an instant download on iTunes and Apple Music, the official album release date is 25th November on all digital music platforms worldwide as well as Musica Stores countrywide.
Open to the public, Thandiswah launches Belede on Thursday 24th of November at The Soweto Theatre. Tickets are available from R200 and up at www.webtickets.co.za, www.sowetotheatre.com and 0861 670 670.
