South African veteran singer, Vicky Sampson, has promised fans some surprises when she takes to the Artscape stage in a new show by SboNdaba Dance next week.
The production ! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite will premiere at the Artscape theatre with three performances on Friday May 24, at 7pm, and Saturday May 25, at 3pm and 7pm.
It looks at South Africa’s journey to the 1994 elections, the challenges that still exist after 30 years of democracy, and strength through diversity.
Sampson, who lives in Pinelands, said she was looking forward to performing her iconic song, Afrikan Dream, in the show.
“I believe that this is what makes our nation so unique and beautiful, our diversity.This is part of what Afrikan Dream speaks about – embracing one another and our differences and celebrating it and starting to appreciate this beautiful rainbow nation.
“There will be one or two other little surprises from myself and the indigenous musicians who I’m collaborating with,” she said.
Sampson was born in Cape Town and grew up in Hanover Park until she left to pursue her music career in 1983.
She ended up in Swaziland, Botswana and then eventually back in South Africa.
The veteran entertainer, who was named Victoria after her late father, Victor, said she was a versatile singer who was prepared to sing in any genre.
“I would not consider myself a jazz or an R&B singer essentially. I would just call myself a singer who loves taking on challenges of different genres,” she said.
“Give me a jazz, gospel or a pop song and I will sing it.”
She said her music was influenced by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Tina Turner, Anita Baker, Randy Crawford and Annie Lennox.
Later this month, Sampson will be recording a music video for her first official Afrikaans song, Hoerikwaggo, which translates as Mountain in the Sea and is the name given to Table Mountain by the Khoisan. The song features Cape Town poet and hip-hop artist, Quintin Goliath who performs as Jitsvinger.
Sampson is also working on a new song that she co-wrote with Mahlatze Vokal from Polokwane, called You are the Light.
She said the song aims to bring hope and inspiration to the nation. She said it will be released in the next few weeks.
She is also looking forward to her roadshow project later this year, titled The Victorious – Voice Behind the Nation Tour, for which she is still looking for sponsorship.
SboNdaba Dance’s award-winning choreographer, Sbonakaliso Ndaba said ! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite celebrates diversity.
“There is a reason why we are different. This production will enhance the power of our diversity through songs, African contemporary dance and storytelling, with the backing of local musicians and the beautiful sounds of indigenous instruments. As South African artists we must unite, take pride in our uniqueness, inspire one another and believe in the magic of our dreams.”
Together with the SboNdaba dancers, the cast includes Marlin Zoutman who is a member of New World Dance Theatre, Andile Vellum, Mpotseng Shupping, Yaseen Manuel – Unmute Dance Theatre, Keenun Wales, Nathaniel Jacob, Samwill Deez – Rebirth Dance Company, Monwabisi Bence – Imbewu Dance Collective and independent dancer, Lewellyn Afrika.
Joining them are African indigenous musicians, Thabisa Dinga, Zinziswa Nogavu and Lutho Mzongwana.
Tickets are available from Webtickets at R150 each with concessions for seniors, students, children at R75 each and block bookings of 10 or more at R50 each.
