The inaugural Christmas carols by candlelight with Asanda Bam and Friends will be taking centre stage at The One Room Music and Comedy Club in Central this weekend to take the audience on a nostalgic trip into the happiest time of the year.
With the likes of Asanda Mqiki and Nosisi Mavela adding their vocal prowess to the performance, Bam aims to stage a unique carolling experience on Saturday.
Bam said she had always loved Christmas carols.
“We would listen to Abba [and others] singing Christmas carols,” she said.
“Christmas carols bring back a lot of memories for me.
“The children were happy because you would not get scolded during that time.
“Extended family members would be around and there would be a lot of food because it was December.”
Bam said that for years she had been toying with the idea of hosting an annual Christmas carols show.
“I am excited to be launching my first instalment this year with my friends.”
The singer and songwriter from the Bay began her musical career in 2002, when she joined gospel award-winning mega-group Joyous Celebration.
Bam set off for the bright lights of Johannesburg and was soon sought after as a backing vocalist by the likes of Thandiswa Mazwai, Gloria Bosman, Swazi Dlamini and Grammy Award-winning Benin singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo.
In 2010, she released her debut album, which earned her a Metro FM award nomination.
She said as a Christian, she hoped through her performance she would inspire people to hare what they could during the season with the less fortunate.
“Invite a neighbour, a friend or someone else to experience what it is to have family time, especially for people who do not have families around or their loved ones have died.
“As a Christian, Christmas for me is also about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, going to church, praying, thanking God.
“I have been writing a lot this year. I do not want to jinx it, but something is coming next year for sure,” Bam said.
Jazz sensation Mqiki will also perform at the show.
She said Christmas carols reminded her of when she sang them in church and at school.
“This is a time for family. As much as I will perform songs like Silent Night and Jingle Bells, I will give them an Asanda Mqiki feel.
“I am sure people will love my versions of these beautiful songs,” Mqiki said.
The show will start at 7pm and tickets are available on Quicket.
HeraldLIVE
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