Voice with a dynamic range emerges

By Mahes PERERA

The leave of brown came tumbling down remember?
In September in the rain
The sun went out just like a dying ember
That September in the rain

In the words of the song by composer Al Dubin, if it's nostalgia you're seeking then singer, Kgomotso Xolisa has it all packed in her vocal frame. She has proven to be a refreshing voice in our musical arena.

Kgomotsa Xolisa

Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, she reflects the characteristics of the South African people who are courageous, creative, vibrant and warm. Music-wise she displays her expertise in blues, gospel, jazz, folk, salsa, samba and soul.

“I was just 12 years when I appeared on stage at a concert.

I did a lot of singing in church and soon after turned professional. The music vibes in me I inherited from my grandfather who taught music. I played bass in school but I realised the need for vocal study and joined an academy to gain a major in vocals.

A singer has to take on a whole new personality when she is on stage for her high-octave energy-packed performance and this I had to master. Here at the Torana Lounge I sing Mondays to Fridays and am backed by Yohan and Honorine, Warren and Rozette and C&C. They are versatile and have fitted in easily with my style of singing we work as a team said Kgomotso when we had a conversation with her after her performance.

Her performance that evening was certainly a high-octave energy packed performance. She sang familiar songs and unfamiliar South African folk and blues. Kogomotso has a dynamic range that dips and swerves with ease and with her sensuous and exciting dance movements, she kept you transfixed enjoying every interpretation of note and song. Her performance of Miriam Makeba's Pata Pata was the icing on the cake and backed by Warren and Rozette they sent the audience into ecstasies dancing at their tables. She threw in the oft heard Summertime for the jazz freaks, took it out of its normal framework and in her phrasing sent sparks flying around the venue. There were more offerings to talk about such as Autumn Leaves, The Lions Sleeps Tonight but space limits us.

Hugh Masekela and Rene McLean are leading flugelhorn and sax personalities in South Africa have you had opportunities to share the stage or recording sessions with them?

“No. I have worked with renowned musicians but not with Masakela or McLean. Now there's another name in their category – Sibongie. I decided to go solo last year and it has been good so far. I intend recording and releasing an album by March next year.”

Music and tradition has kept the people of South Africa alive and Kogomotso Xolisa is one of them who feels the joy and truth in music.