Gqeberha is in for a musical treat this weekend as some of SA’s most powerful voices unite for an unforgettable night of song and soul.
The much-anticipated Balladeer Volume 3 Concert will take centre stage on Saturday at The One Room Music and Comedy Club in Central.
Doors open at 6.30pm, promising a night filled with rich harmonies, heartfelt performances and an electric atmosphere.
Presented by the Vocal Explosion Concert Series, the event is the brainchild of Asanda Mqiki, a celebrated vocalist from New Brighton.
Mqiki, 38, is no stranger to the spotlight — a two-time Standard Bank Gold Ovation Award winner at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.
Mqiki joked that the event was the perfect occasion for Gqeberha men to spoil their significant others.
The concert features former Joyous Celebration gospel choir member Asanda Bam, Standard Bank Ovation award winner at the 2024 National Arts Fest Thando “Love Seed” Nombewu, and internationally renowned jazz veteran Thandeka Marwanqa as the guest artist.
Tickets for the show are available online via Quicket or at the door at R150 each.
Mqiki said the concert catered to all age groups and featured music by the likes of nine-time Grammy winner Natalie Cole.
Excited about the upcoming event, she said the third volume would be different, affording an intimate environment where the audience would be able to sing along during the well curated performances.
“The Balladeer concentrates on ballads, the art of lyric, and engaging with your audience. That’s why I chose The One Room as the venue.
“It gives the same [relaxed] feel as the National Arts Festival.”
Mqiki said the audience could look forward to jazz, R&B, power house and rock ballads — though their main focus was on ballads, which she described as simple.
“I want to remind people of how it feels to be in love,” she said.
Another element she felt was special about the event was that it featured Marwanqa.
“I feel Marwanqa was never given [enough recognition].
“I have always hated how veterans are only honoured or celebrated once they are already gone.
“So, in me choosing her, I felt this woman needed to be celebrated by giving her a stage. She was the perfect fit for this.”
Meanwhile, Bam, of Motherwell, who also sings for the SA National Jazz Orchestra, said she was excited to be part of Balladeer for the second time with Mqiki.
Having toured SA performing on some of the country’s biggest stages, Bam said she enjoyed working with Mqiki, who she described as an amazing vocalist and visionary.
“This production deserves to be on a global stage, it should be out there for the world, it is a beautiful concept.
“I am a Billie Holiday fan, so I will be singing her God Bless the Child. It takes me back to the ’50s.
“I will also be channelling Miriam Makeba because she is my inspiration,” Bam said.
Marwanqa, who will be singing one song at the event, said she felt honoured to be celebrated.
“I did not expect this, but I am excited about the theme. It reminds of a time that has long passed. It brings back good memories.
“Port Elizabeth was still Port Elizabeth back then. People would get excited about going to St Stephen’s Hall on Sundays for the jazz. We would walk from [far].
“I would sing Whitney Houston songs, and the people would sing along — those were good memories,” Marwanqa said.
The Herald
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