Zolani Mahola set to support Grammy-winning Gregory Porter

Singer, actress and storyteller Zolani Mahola has been announced as the supporting act for eight-time nominee and two-time Grammy award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter on his three-city Love is King national concert tour this November.

Presented by Showtime Management and GRIZA Enterprises, the tour kicks off at Grand Arena, Grand West on Wednesday, November 12, and will then show in Durban and Johannesburg thereafter All concerts begin at 20:00. Tickets are available exclusively at showtime.co.za and ticketmaster.co.za.

Ms Mahola will be backed by The Feminine Force – Sky Dladla (percussion, indigenous instruments), Siyoli Waters (keyboards and vocals), Carla Williams (drums), Andiswa Ndwandwe (bass), and backing vocalists Asiphe Ntyinkala and Aeryn.

The ensemble creates space for women to gather, sing, and drive positive change, reflecting Ms Mahola’s advocacy for education, the environment, and anti-GBV campaigns.

Over 17 years with Freshlyground, she has shared stages with legends including Stevie Wonder, BB King, Shakira, Hugh Masekela, and Johnny Clegg, and in October 2024 performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the 30-year celebration of South Africa’s democracy.

She is also collaborating with Pippa Ehrlich, director of the Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, on a nature-inspired film, alongside work on an autobiographical film and a new solo album.

“It will be wonderful to welcome (Gregory Porter) ‘home’ and share uplifting music from my upcoming sophomore solo album as well," said Ms Mahola.

Tony Feldman of Showtime Management said: “South African music fans can’t get enough of Gregory Porter, whether it’s his voice, his songs or his presence. Bringing Zolani Mahola into the mix for the Cape Town show takes things up another level.”

Greg Maloka of co-promoter GRIZA Enterprises adds: “If there was ever a voice that represents South Africa, Zolani is it. Her cut-across appeal makes her a unique artist with a bold story to tell.”

Tickets are R800 to R1550 and are available through Ticketmaster or Showtime