(Heels
over Head)
A concert by Durban-based Heels over Head presented
by iSupport Music Business in partnership with The South African State Theatre
is part of the State Theatre’s Vavasati Festival.
It also forms part of a special national
tour that this all-female jazz band is presenting as part of celebrating its
10-year anniversary this year. The band will be in Pretoria on August 17, 2018.
The ladies of jazz will pay tribute to the women that paved the way for them.
Expect Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie and Mimi, but also a hint of neo-soul with
Jill Scott.
“The girls”, as they are affectionately
known, will present their tribute set of their African influenced composers,
singers and musicians. “When I think of
a woman’s voice in my childhood home, I think of Miriam Makeba,” says Thulile
Zama, vocalist of Heels over Head. “She’s an important influence on my music
career.”
“All band members chose musicians that
influenced their career,” explains Rebekah Doty, drummer of “easy-breezy
pop-jazz” band Heels over Head. All five women have put in thought and worked
on the songs together to come to a fully-fledged tribute to their personal
icons. The concept was initiated because the band noticed that iconic women
continually inspire them. They want to recognise the accomplishments of female
singers, instrumentalists and songwriters.”
The band plans to get the audience on their
feet and dancing to rhythmic bass lines and cheerful melodies. On the band
stand you can find: Lindelwe Ngonelo on keys, Tebogo Sedumedi on bass guitar,
Linda Tshabalala on saxophone, Rebekah Doty on drums and Thulile Zama on
vocals.
From winning the Yamaha Young Talent Award
in 2010 to independently releasing two music projects and being nominated for
the SAMA Awards (2011) Best Contemporary Jazz Album early on in their career as
a band. Heels Over Head has kept their footing firmly on the ground, with new
compositions touring within the South African borders and the Southern African
region, connecting and building a fan base. The hard work sometimes can go
unnoticed, but sometimes opportunities are made to present themselves through
the band continuing to persevere, soldiering on with the music. Recently they
got an opportunity to go to the USA in New Orleans for the 2017 Essence Music
Festival. This has only added to the enthusiasm that fuels their passion for
music.
The band aims to empower women in this
industry and have a history of effectively doing this. Many members that played
in Heels over Head in the past now have successful solo careers. The members
individually are also all involved in motivation of young female musicians through
teaching and mentorships.
Heels over Head can be seen in the Rendezvous
Theatre at the South African State Theatre on August 17 at 20h00. Tickets R80 through
Computicket. The Theatre is at 320 Pretorius Street, Pretoria.
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