DOROTHY Masuku will serenade lovers on Valentine's Day at The Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square in Kliptown, Soweto.
Masuku will sing sweet nothing's to lovers, starting at 6.30pm. What came to mind on hearing that she will perform on Valentine's Day was my realisation of her immense contribution to our music heritage.
Masuku is perhaps not as readily recognisable as that other musical powerhouse and fellow sister of song, Miriam Makeba. It must be said, however, that Masuku wrote some hit songs for Makeba.
This time Masuku will share the spotlight with Brenda Joyce on this special night that has been put together as a package for lovers.
The package includes a sumptuous three-course dinner, a complimentary glass of KWV sparkling wine in addition to live jazz entertainment by New York cabaret artist Joyce.
Joyce will feature her trio that includes the irrepressible bassist Herbie Tsoaeli.
Perhaps because not much is known about Joyce, the spotlight on this lovers' day will fall on veteran Masuku.
Masuku was born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and came to South Africa when she was 12 and lived in Sophiatown, Johannesburg. She was attracted to American jazz as well as the music of icon Dolly Rathebe.
Troubador, a popular recording company of the time, gave Masuku her first big break as a singer.
She was just 16 when she ran away from boarding school and went to Durban to join Philemon Mogotsi's African Ink Spots. Her school and family insisted that she return and she went back only for a short while. This time those responsible for her welfare gave up and allowed her to pursue a career as a singer.
While travelling back to Johannesburg she wrote the hit song Hamba Nontsokolo.
By the age of 20 Masuku had already appeared on magazine covers and toured South Africa with a black musical revue that included Makeba. She also took part in the popular African Jazz and Variety Show.
Makeba mentions Masuku on her album En Public a Paris et Conakry in which she also sings her composition Kulala. Another South African musician, Aura Msimang, has also recorded the same song.
Masuku still performs in different parts of the world. In 2001 she took part in a special evening with pianist Don Laka in London and then in 2002 she was in New York where she joined the Mahotella Queens on stage.
Masuku has also recorded Pata Pata and MaGumede.
Masuku's Valentine's serenade
DOROTHY Masuku will serenade lovers on Valentine's Day at The Soweto Hotel on Freedom Square in Kliptown, Soweto.
Masuku will sing sweet nothing's to lovers, starting at 6.30pm. What came to mind on hearing that she will perform on Valentine's Day was my realisation of her immense contribution to our music heritage.
Masuku is perhaps not as readily recognisable as that other musical powerhouse and fellow sister of song, Miriam Makeba. It must be said, however, that Masuku wrote some hit songs for Makeba.
This time Masuku will share the spotlight with Brenda Joyce on this special night that has been put together as a package for lovers.
The package includes a sumptuous three-course dinner, a complimentary glass of KWV sparkling wine in addition to live jazz entertainment by New York cabaret artist Joyce.
Joyce will feature her trio that includes the irrepressible bassist Herbie Tsoaeli.
Perhaps because not much is known about Joyce, the spotlight on this lovers' day will fall on veteran Masuku.
Masuku was born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and came to South Africa when she was 12 and lived in Sophiatown, Johannesburg. She was attracted to American jazz as well as the music of icon Dolly Rathebe.
Troubador, a popular recording company of the time, gave Masuku her first big break as a singer.
She was just 16 when she ran away from boarding school and went to Durban to join Philemon Mogotsi's African Ink Spots. Her school and family insisted that she return and she went back only for a short while. This time those responsible for her welfare gave up and allowed her to pursue a career as a singer.
While travelling back to Johannesburg she wrote the hit song Hamba Nontsokolo.
By the age of 20 Masuku had already appeared on magazine covers and toured South Africa with a black musical revue that included Makeba. She also took part in the popular African Jazz and Variety Show.
Makeba mentions Masuku on her album En Public a Paris et Conakry in which she also sings her composition Kulala. Another South African musician, Aura Msimang, has also recorded the same song.
Masuku still performs in different parts of the world. In 2001 she took part in a special evening with pianist Don Laka in London and then in 2002 she was in New York where she joined the Mahotella Queens on stage.
Masuku has also recorded Pata Pata and MaGumede.
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