Gugu Sibiya
Gugu Sibiya
Simphiwe Dana has done it again!
The Afro-soul diva has just notched up another first in a career that is fast becoming known for its many milestones.
She has been nominated for the 2008 BBC World Music Award.
Described as the best thing to happen to Afro-soul music since Miriam Makeba, she is further complimented by being mentioned in the same league as Lauren Hill, India Arie and Erykah Badu.
A career synopsis adds that Dana's is the name to be watched out for and to get used to because the world is going to hear more about her.
Catching up with Dana to hear what this nomination means to her a day after Christmas Day, was not easy.
Extremely excited, she said: "It feels great! I must say that the British media have been welcoming.
"I know that those glowing write-ups come from them."
Praises have been heaped on her for her latest offering, The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street .
On being named the successor to the legendary and iconic Miriam Makeba, who is the continent's most celebrated musician, a chuffed Dana says: "I am given big shoes to fill but if the people think I am up to it, and if it advances my career, then I am up to the challenge."
Obviously her best album to date, The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street has not only seen Dana perform at President Vaclav Klaus of the Czech Republic's function, but but has seen her sign a deal with Warner Bros in Germany.
She has performed at several gigs in Germany, eliciting praise from hardened scribes and critics.
Two years ago at the prestigious Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Dana became the first artist to perform twice on one night on different stages.
She went on stage at the same time as the legendary Commodores. Instead of packing the American show, crowds flocked to Dana's performance.
So popular was the show that to avert a riot a compromise was struck, resulting in her giving two shows.
High honour for Afro-soul diva
Gugu Sibiya
Gugu Sibiya
Simphiwe Dana has done it again!
The Afro-soul diva has just notched up another first in a career that is fast becoming known for its many milestones.
She has been nominated for the 2008 BBC World Music Award.
Described as the best thing to happen to Afro-soul music since Miriam Makeba, she is further complimented by being mentioned in the same league as Lauren Hill, India Arie and Erykah Badu.
A career synopsis adds that Dana's is the name to be watched out for and to get used to because the world is going to hear more about her.
Catching up with Dana to hear what this nomination means to her a day after Christmas Day, was not easy.
Extremely excited, she said: "It feels great! I must say that the British media have been welcoming.
"I know that those glowing write-ups come from them."
Praises have been heaped on her for her latest offering, The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street .
On being named the successor to the legendary and iconic Miriam Makeba, who is the continent's most celebrated musician, a chuffed Dana says: "I am given big shoes to fill but if the people think I am up to it, and if it advances my career, then I am up to the challenge."
Obviously her best album to date, The One Love Movement On Bantu Biko Street has not only seen Dana perform at President Vaclav Klaus of the Czech Republic's function, but but has seen her sign a deal with Warner Bros in Germany.
She has performed at several gigs in Germany, eliciting praise from hardened scribes and critics.
Two years ago at the prestigious Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Dana became the first artist to perform twice on one night on different stages.
She went on stage at the same time as the legendary Commodores. Instead of packing the American show, crowds flocked to Dana's performance.
So popular was the show that to avert a riot a compromise was struck, resulting in her giving two shows.