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ARTE VIVA MUSIC  |  Thandeka Dladla

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THANDEKA DLADLA

South Africa  | Jazz / Afro-Soul / Afro-Jazz

Emerging Young Artist

PROFILE

One of South Africa's most exciting emerging talents, Thandeka Dladla embodies the glamour and talent of the most legendary jazz singers, with a skilled and sensual voice, wrapped in her her own sophisticated and stylish package.  

 

As they say, dynamite comes in small packages and it's certainly the case with Thandeka. The diminutive songstress and songwriter has a larger-than-life presence and the pipes to match. Her entrancing voice, shaped and inspired by South African jazz, progressive rock, Afro-pop, R&B, Classic Soul and Acid jazz, sweeps audiences along on a colourful journey filled with heart-gripping melodies, that meld a connection between the past and the present.   

 

Thandeka is a versatile vocalist who regularly fronts The Unity Band and The Pebbleshakers, and is now exploring her solo sound, with an EP due for release in late 2022.

LISTEN / STREAM

"Thandeka adds an arresting lyricism to the band's explorative ethos and compliments their unique African take on jazz fusion with her isiXhosa vocals. If the band's debut release Fabric is anything to go by, the young vocalist will be a great addition to South Africa's jazz scene for years to come."
 
Mayuyuka Kaunda, Okay Afrika

The Unity Band Performs “Onset of Dawn”

The Unity Band Performs “Onset of Dawn”
The Unity Band Performs “Onset of Dawn”

The Unity Band Performs “Onset of Dawn”

04:07
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The Unity Band Performs “Buy’ eKhaya” (Come Home)

The Unity Band Performs “Buy’ eKhaya” (Come Home)

04:24
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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Performances with Nomfundo Xaluva, Gloria Bosman, Mandisi Dyantyis, Sisonke Xonti (all SA) and Coco Zhao (China)

  • Coaching and conducting the Anne Frank Choir for the Anne Frank Museum Showcase with Philip Miller 

DISCOGRAPHY

Featured on:

  • Fabric - The Unity Band (2019)

  • Echos of Sophiatown - The Pebble Shakers (2019)

  • Pentho & Adura Fun Afrika on Avale - Jo Kunnuji Experiment (2019)

  • Brasskap Sessions, Vol. 3 - McCoy Mrubata (2019)

Upcoming:

  • Solo EP - late 2022

PERFORMANCE FORMAT OPTIONS

  • Duo: Vocals & Piano 
    Trio: Vocals, Bass, Piano 

  • Quartet: Vocals, Bass, Piano, Drums 

  • Quintet: Vocals, Bass, Piano, Drums, Trumpet / Flugel Horn

  • Sextet: Vocals, Bass, Piano, Drums, Trumpet / Flugel Horn, Backing Vocals