Charming visiting French-Congolese singer Rene Tshiakanyi will perform at venues in and around Durban over the Michaelmas break to launch the first volume of his debut CD, Now that I am Free. This was launched officially at the Alliance Française de Durban on October 21.His CD features voice and acoustic guitar in an album which is 70% original material in French and English, supplemented by covers which were requested from his live performances. These include Girl, You are a Woman Now and Sinatra’s iconic My Way.
From the Congo, Tshiakanyi sings both in French and English and his sound is undeniably distinctive. He describes his music and compositions as a mixture of classic pop; RnB; reggae and Zouk (which is a mixture of French and Caribbean music).
His debut single La presse s’efface celebrates those journalists who have given their lives in the DRC to the pursuit and ideals of media freedom. He pays tribute to other journalists around the world who feel compelled to do the same, in the pursuit of both truth and freedom of expression. It was nominated in the U.K twice as videochocwavesawards by the English magazine the NME Music.
Tshiakanyi can be seen at the KZNSA Gallery on October 30 (from 14h00 to 16h00); Olive and Oil in Hillcrest on November 6 and 20 (noon until 15h00); Yossis in Glenwood on November 9 and December 14 (18h00 to 22h00); Corner Cafe in Glenwood on November 11 (18h00); Bean & Gone at 24 Bute Road in Windermere on November 18 (11h00); Quays Whole Food Night Market on December 1 at The Quays, Browns Road, Point Development (18h00); Market, Marriot Road/Gladys Mazibuko Road on December 3 (12h00), and Essenwood Craft Market on December 10 (10h00 to 13h00). (See artSMart Forthcoming Events List for listing).
Performances are free and all are welcome! For more information visit www.renetshiakanyi.com