Top local jazz diva on CNN

19 June 2009 - 02:00
By Edward Tsumele

SIBONGILE Khumalo, one of this country's leading singers, will be in the spotlight this weekend when CNN zooms in on her in its African Voices slot.

SIBONGILE Khumalo, one of this country's leading singers, will be in the spotlight this weekend when CNN zooms in on her in its African Voices slot.

The programme features Khumalo's meteoric musical journey and will air at 1.30pm tomorrow.

The Soweto-born diva, renowned for her jazzy innovative interpretations and for being one of South Africa's most acclaimed opera singers, provides viewers a glimpse into her personal journey to international recognition.

On the TV show she says: "I believe the role of music in particular and the arts in general is to find a way to uplift. In the past we used our music to fight the apartheid regime. Today we fight poverty, disease and crime with our voices.

"We need to reflect on societal ills and highlight challenges through our art, and celebrate the human spirit and our many successes in life."