MUSO ZOË MODIGA RETURNS TO THE CONSTITUTION HILL STAGE AFTER A SHORT HIATUS
After a silent four month long hiatus from the live performance stages, music extraordinaire Zoë Modiga will be making her return on Saturday, 11th February, at the Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.
The star will be joined by another powerhouse, Mandisi Dyantis, and together the pair will grace the BandaBanda Agency Live shows that pride themselves in bringing musical experiences to the people.
Just in time for Black History Month, commemorated universally, Modiga says this is yet another exciting opportunity to advance black stories, to cement her place as an authority while also carving this beautiful career that has gained her international recognition.
Describing herself as a planner and one who wants to always bring a polished finished product to the people, the KwaZulu Natal born muso said she has resigned herself to the fact that she is never in complete control of how her performances will turn out, and is therefore excited to see how this particular performance unfold.
“I knew the next time I would perform, I’d want it to be something monumental. I’d want it to be (like) a ceremony and it feels like this particular show is a countdown to that. It really feels like I am preparing for a ceremony and it’s beautiful to be sharing that moment with incredible people like ubhut’ uMandisi – someone I call a titan. Whose messages and stories in his music speak a lot to me as a person. But also, we share a lot in common in terms of celebrating the black experience in our music,” she said.
“With all performances, I do make room for umgidi, I do make room for what I think live music is and which is co-creating a moment with the music lovers. I do think that Saturday will be special and meaningful. Whichever side the attendees see, I am excited to see her too,” said the bubbly songstress.
Modiga’s emotive music is immediately identified by its reflective nature into black voices, making her voice/career one that is part of the collective authorities in this day and age.
But where did it begin?
“I have always had this idea of being a part of something bigger. Being a part of a lineage, being a part of a culture, heritage and legacy; and those themes have become so important to me on a personal level. What is most important to me will always translate to the music,” she said.
Recognising those facts within herself, she says, has allowed her to move in the world with inner confidence. Modiga said she also recognised early on that she now forms part of a lineage with giant artists such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ringo Madlingozi, Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai – all of whom have influenced her musical journey one way or the other. Following down this path is something she happily pursues to advance important conversations through the arts.
“This confidence is a confidence that is quiet but equally dominates spaces. It isn’t loud but is disruptive and magical. And I think our stories have that ability to just make us realise ourselves as ourselves and allow us to walk in the world with a lot more confidence.
“And I think because society has kind-of chipped away at blackness, it is beautiful to have music and art, fashion, storytellers etc. who continue to breathe life to us,” a role she continues to play no matter where she is performing.
Zoë is an independent artist, releasing her debut album, “Yellow: The Novel” and her sophomore album, “Inganekwane,” under her label Yelloëwax. She is celebrated with nominations such as: Best Jazz Album and Best African Artist for the South African Music Awards (2018), Female Artist of the Year by the VN Streaming (2020), Best African Jazz Artist at the All Africa Music Awards (2021), Based in Music Awards (2022).
She has been honoured with the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition (2015) and awards such as the Mbokodo Award for Music (2019), Mzantsi Jazz Awards for Best Jazz Contemporary Album, Best Newcomer in Jazz and Best Jazz Song (2018), Dopest Album Cover of 2020 by African Design League.
“It’s so beautiful to be embraced by people who come before you and I really do want to be a person who is able to pass a baton, whatever baton is needed to pass, to someone who I guess reminds me of my younger self… I am very conscious about creating this legacy about myself and earnestly building it up so that when the time comes to pass the baton, it is influential and is impactful,” she said.
The journey to building the legacy continues with a lot more in store from Modiga. Without giving out a lot, she teases about the year to come saying: “All I am going to say is 23 is my favourite number, literally the day I was born (23rd February), and it has always been a number that appears as like a confirmation when I am in the right place at the right time.
“I think this year is my 23rd and I am very excited to share. I will leave it at that,” she said before bursting out into a hearty laugh.
Zoë Modiga and Mandisi Dyantis will be performing on the same stage for the first time at the event that starts at 15:00