A Double Bill With Vimbs Mavimbs and Spha Mdlalose

Spha Mdlalose sings Indleleyekhaya live in Mpumalanga in a special double bill show with long time collaborator Vimbs Mavimbs.

Vimbs Mavimbs & Spha Mdlalose are coming to the land of the rising sun! The Durban born artist is gearing up for a special double bill performance with her long time collaborator, virtuoso bassist, Thembinkosi Mavimbela alias Vimbs Mavimbs. This will happen at the trendy restaurant and live music venue, Picasso’s Mexican Taquiera on the 12^th April 2025. Mavimbs, who is a Mpumalanga native will be performing freshly recorded music from his Late Bloomer project, due for release sometime this year, while Mdlalose will play music from her debut album, Indleleyekhaya. The tour is supported by Concerts SA and their partners - the Festival Enterprise Catalyst, SAMRO, the National Treasury Jobs Fund. This is will be the first time both artists perform in Mpumalanga and audiences are due for a treat! Tickets are available online for purchase at R120 and the show kicks off at 3pm.

Vimbs Mavimbs Short Biography

Mavimbs was born in Swalala, a rural village outside of Mbombela. His passion for music began in primary school where he grew fond of the guitar sound from listening to records. It was only in early high school when his interest in music became prominent and was determined to start the process of learning. The lack of resources and musical infrastructures resulted into a postponement in his passion to pursue his dream. His high schooling was completed at Hazyview Comprehensive School where his subjects were in the electrical engineering field. He spent most of his teen years listening to records intensely, not knowing that was the beginning of his musical ear enhancement.

Mavimbs has worked in the jazz fraternity with some iconic musicians such as Dr.Abdullah Ibrahim on the Ekaya Big Band Tour in South Africa. The late Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo, Zim Ngqawana. He has been in the jazz scene for the past 14 years working with the likes of Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, Marcus Wyatt, McCoy Mrubata, Feya Faku, Tumi Mogorosi, Asher Gamedze, Bokani Dyer and many more. He has worked with some iconic Afro-Jazz musicians such as Simphiwe Dana, Msaki, Gabi Motuba, Spha Mdlalose, Mandisi Dyantis just to name a few.

About the debut upcoming album: Late Bloomer

The album represents the journey into adulthood and the transition to independence; a jazz project that reflects an eighteen-year voyage filled with trials and tribulations. With Late Bloomer, Mavimbs seeks to celebrate life and honor the richness of African heritage. The project embodies the spirit of a millennial sound while pushing beyond traditional jazz boundaries, embracing both contemporary and classic influences. More than just an album, Late Bloomeris a sonic self-exploration, a deeply personal portrait shaped by Mavimbs' musical upbringing and the journey he embarked on during his late adolescent years. It pays tribute to the ideology of "late bloomers," commemorating humble beginnings and the transformative process of stepping into a new chapter of life. Inspired by the butterfly metaphor, which symbolizes hope and transformation, this album is an ode to the Late Bloomers

More about Indle’eyekhaya : Indle’eyekhaya which was released in 2019 to much acclaim earned Mdlalose, three SAMA (South African Music Awards) nominations and cemented her place in the South African music industry. The album itself is a soul-stirring fusion of jazz, gospel, and soul ,deeply rooted in her South African heritage and eclectic upbringing. Singing primarily in isiXhosa and her native language of isiZulu, Mdlalose crafts a deeply personal and emotionally rich journey that transcends language- speaking straight to the heart. It is both a tribute to her influences and a reflection on home, family, and identity—most poignantly expressed in "D 103," a heartfelt homage to her late grandfather. Supported by an ensemble of top South African musicians, the music moves with an undeniable groove and depth, proving that true artistry knows no borders and that music truly has the power to heal. Indlel’eyekhaya isn’t just an album—it’s an experience that speaks to the soul. In a world of singers, Mdlalose is a "singer's singer", effortlessly breathing life into every lyric and able to use her instrument to convey emotion, effortlessly. Her voice is distinct and clear; boasting a mezzo soprano range that is captivating and beautiful. She is simply a singer you have to see live, a singer you have to experience. Audiences can expect to be transported, healed and deeply moved by this presentation.

Spha Mdlalose Biography

Spha Mdlalose is a South African singer-songwriter known for her soulful blend of jazz, gospel, and soul. Originally born in the township of Umlazi in Kwazulu Natal, her initial introduction to jazz happened in high school when a teacher heard her sing at a school talent show and gave her a solo in the jazz band. So began a love affair with this genre of music that would soon change the course of her life. After high school Mdlalose went on to complete her studies in music, where she obtained a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) at the illustrious South African College of Music (SACM) at the University of Cape Town, all while performing in and around the city and gaining a name for herself.

Shortly after graduating, Mdlalose moved to Johannesburg to further her music career. In 2019, she released her 3 time South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominated album, "Indlel'eyekhaya," to much acclaim. The offering perfectly showcases her diverse musical influences and is praised for its emotive depth and authenticity. In a world of singers, Mdlalose is a "singer's singer", effortlessly breathing life into every lyric and able to use her instrument to convey emotion. Her voice is distinct and clear; boasting a mezzo soprano range that is captivating and beautiful. She is simply a singer you have to experience live!

Spha has performed at notable festivals on the South African jazz calendar such as the Standard Bank Makhanda Jazz Festival, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival She has also collaborated and performed with artist and bands such as the Jazz at the Lincoln Centre Big Band, Israel Houghton, Sibongile Khumalo Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Micasa, Oliver Mthukudzi to name just a few. Spha was also the featured artist at the 13th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture with keynote speaker Melinda Gates.