Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

After enthralling his fans at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre earlier this year, the originator of a new fusion sound kwaai-jazz Don Laka is heading for Limpopo.

Called Invitations: A Don Laka Performance Showcase and Workshops, this tour of Limpopo starts on Friday at Mahwelereng City Hall. It will culminate in a performance at the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane on June 28.

Laka is regarded as one of South Africa's most versatile performers and has become synonymous with pioneering groundbreaking collaborations.

To introduce his latest album, Laka has conceptualised a performance showcase that involves an intriguing mix of musicians, from veteran Afro-Jazz giants to newcomers to the kwaito game.

At the launch he featured a powerful cast that included Ray Phiri, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Judith Sephuma, Kunle, Gloria Bosman, Theo Kgosinkwe of Mafikizolo and Arno Carstens. This time there will be the likes of Oupa Mkhubela (Poys), Palesa (First Ladies of Kwaai Jazz) and Herman Fox.

"I turned 50 this year and it gave me a reason to look back on my career, and what I'd enjoyed most about making music," Laka said.