EC-born singer’s one-man show at Miriam Makeba Centre.
EASTERN Cape afro-soul musician Dumisani Maswana, who is now based in Johannesburg, will be returning to his home province for a tour this month.
Maswana, known as Dumza, started singing while growing up in his Peddie rural home.
In 1997, he and a group of friends formed an all-male group called Healing Voices.
The five friends recorded two albums, which were sold on the streets of Peddie and surrounding areas.
It was in 2005 that the 30-yearold singer decided to start his solo career. “In 2006, I moved to Johannesburg.
“I did not know anyone there but I knew my talent would open doors for me.
“Hardly three months in the big city I got a job as a sessionvocalist for artists like Rebecca Malope, Camagwini, Jabu Nkabinde, and many other artists,” he said.
His popular songs, Nguwe and Molo, which featured East London’s DJ Palture, are currently being played on numerous radio stations in the country including Umhlobo Wenene FM, Tru FM, Mdantsane FM, Radio 200 and Ukhozi FM.
Maswana said he realised a lot of people knew his songs but had never seen him perform.
“I usually perform at corporate events around East London. This is going to be my first time performing at my own show,” he said.
His one-man show, called Up and Close Tour with Dumza Maswana, will be held later this month at the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre (ECAVC), formerly known as the Miriam Makeba Centre.
The first leg of the show was held in Port Elizabeth in September.
He will be performing songs from his current album, Iphupha Lam.
“I recorded this album when I was still under a recording label but now I am under my own company,” he said. This past weekend Maswana performed in Port Elizabeth as part of the Umhlobo Wenene jazz show.
He said the album was mainly about his journey in life and music. “My album has that element of gospel lyrics although it is an afro-soul album.”
One of the songs, Changed Man, spoke about Maswana’s spiritual journey.
“When people listen to this album they will get to know me,” he said.
Maswana has performed with the likes of MXO, Sliq Angel, Tshepo Tshola, Mafikizolo, Siphokazi, Jaziel Brothers and Ntando.
He said in 2005 he had an opportunity to share the stage with internationally renowned musicians Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore during their tour in Port Elizabeth. Maswana listed legendary musicians Victor Ntoni, Miriam Makeba, Stompie Mavi and Zim Ngqawana as people who influence his music.
The muso will be performing in East London on November 29. —