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Simphiwe Dana never said Black Coffee should never remix her music

IDEOLOGY MUST CONTINUE: Singer Simphiwe Dana says South Africa has failed Steve Biko's Freedom Charter. Photo: Halden Krog
IDEOLOGY MUST CONTINUE: Singer Simphiwe Dana says South Africa has failed Steve Biko's Freedom Charter. Photo: Halden Krog

Afro-soul singer Simphiwe Dana sets the record straight on the misguided notion that she is against her soulful sound being remixed into upbeat house music.

Dana clarifies on the controversy that blew up almost 10 years ago that house DJ Black Coffee had remixed her hit song 'Ndiredi' without her formal approval. Dana strongly objects that it was all a misunderstanding.

"At the time I said that Black Coffee should not remix my music yet. Cause I was very new in the industry... With a very different sound too", Dana points out.

"I didn't want people to want to book a 'Simphiwe Dana of Black Coffee's remix' then when I get there they say 'where is that sound'. I didn't want my brand to be misunderstood at a very early stage in my career".

Dana also talks about her latest album "Firebrand", stating that picking a favourite cut from the album will be unfair and compares this to the dilemma of a mother having to pick between her babies. However, she does name-drop heartbreak/breakup song "Killjoy" as being quite precious.

The multi-talented chanteuse explains the meaning behind the title of her latest album "Firebrand".

"[A Firebrand is] someone who is a game-charger. Someone who is not scared to stand-up and be counted... Someone who brings about new ways of thinking, who brings a new consciousness", Dana shares.

On Saturday, 25 April, Dana will host a concert at The Bassline to celebrate 10 years in the music industry. Dana reveals that she will be performing popular songs from all her four albums and hopes to take the concert nationwide.

Tickets are available for R180 online and R200 at the door.

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