On invite by EThekwini Municipality,
Department of Arts & Living Cultures and Essence Festival the Durban based
all-female jazz band Heels over Head presented a stunning performance at the
Festival in New Orleans on June 30. John Legend and Diana Ross, Solange and
Mary J. Blige, were just some of the performers that were performing alongside
Heels over Head at this prestigious festival.
“The girls”, as they are affectionately
known, presented a set of their African influenced easy breezy pop jazz, as
their signature sound is referred to. They got the audience on their feet and
dancing to their rhythmic bass lines and cheerful melodies. The band presented
themselves with a sparkling stage presence, looking classy and stylish with an
African touch.
As always, the audience did not miss the
charm and charisma of their lead vocalist Thulile Zama. She was joined by
skilled drummer Rebekah Pillay and accomplished pianist Lindi Ngonelo and
bassist Tebogo Sedumedi, known to many, added the lady funk. Last, but not
least, they featured smoking hot guitarist Chillie Stent and the flaming fusion
of musicians was complete.
“It was a huge honour to be selected for a
performance at this festival. We have worked for many years to create
opportunities like these. Not only was the performance itself a great
experience, but being in such a lively musical city and being a guest at a
prestigious event like Essence, was enriching and humbling,” says vocalist
Thulile Zama.
Drummer Rebekah Doty adds: “We want to be
an example to other female musicians and show them that everything is possible.
It has been a new challenge to perform for a different audience from what we
are used to. This trip has been a great motivation to keep the band going and
also our creativity has gotten a boost. Hopefully this will lead to the
recording of our long awaited third album.”
The love of jazz music weaved these girls
together towards to end of 2008 to form this unique musical force. Since then
the girls are always occupied with composing, rehearsing and recording new
music and with lots of performances around KwaZulu-Natal and the country.
The Essence Festival, known as "the
party with a purpose", is an annual music festival which started in 1995
as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence, a magazine
aimed primarily towards African-American women. It is the largest event
celebrating African-American culture and music in the United States.
Heels over Head was not the only band from
Durban performing at Essence Festival, also IThwasa Lekhansela, Afrika Mama’s
and AfroSoul were invited to represent South Africa in New Orleans. The result?
A strong representation of what Durban has to offer to the world.
The Essence Festival Durban will take place
from September 26 to October 1, 2017, at the Durban ICC and Durban Exhibition
Centre. For more information visit www.essence.com/festival-durban
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