THE BALLADEER VOL. 3 | A NIGHT OF POWERHOUSE VOICES

THE BALLADEER VOL. 3 - A NIGHT OF POWERHOUSE VOICES

Date: 26 July 2025

Time: 18:30

Venue: The One Room -52 Westbourne Road, Gqeberha

The third edition of The Balladeer is here — and it’s bigger, bolder, and more soulful than ever. Curated by multi-award-winning artist and director Asanda Mqiki, this concert experience celebrates the art of the ballad — where lyrics matter, vocal storytelling leads, and emotion takes centre stage.

This year, we bring together an exceptional line-up of Eastern Cape’s finest vocalists:

•Asanda Bam

Gqeberha’s very own soul queen, known for her velvet voice and genre-defying sound. From Joyous Celebration to sharing stages with Angelique Kidjo and Gloria Bosman, Asanda’s music blends afro-soul, jazz, and sultry ballads that leave you breathless.

•Love Seed

Standard Bank Ovation Award winners. Their harmonies are honest, raw, and spiritually uplifting — their sound is rooted, moving, and full of heart.

•Special Guest: Thandeka Marwanqa

We honour a true Eastern Cape legend whose musical journey spans over 30 years. From her days as lead singer of Black Slave, to performing across the country and abroad, Thandeka remains a shining voice and guiding spirit in our community. She continues to perform with The Jazz Queens On the Bay and is a passionate advocate for mature artists through SECCA.

NEW THIS YEAR:

A live lyrics analysis session will be held during the performance — where the audience joins the artists in unpacking the stories behind the songs. It’s intimate, insightful, and deeply personal.

Curated by Asanda Mqiki, a voice of power, resistance, and beauty. From Port Elizabeth to Sweden, from Oppikoppi to the Market Theatre, Mqiki continues to redefine what it means to be a modern jazz vocalist and creative director. With multiple Ovation Awards, global festival appearances, and her Vocal Explosion series, she brings together generations of sound and soul.