Renowned South African musician Thandiswa Mazwai graced the stage at the sold-out Artscape Theatre on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 8:00 PM. This eagerly anticipated event, in partnership with Castle Milk Stout, marked a significant milestone in Mazwai’s illustrious career, celebrating both her latest album “Sankofa” and the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut solo album “Zabalaza.”
The performance was part of Mazwai’s promotional tour for “Sankofa,” released in May 2024. The album, whose title means “to go back and fetch what’s been left behind” in Ghana’s Twi language, resonated deeply with Castle Milk Stout’s brand mission of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. This aligned seamlessly with the brand’s successful campaigns like “Get It Back” and “Last Stories of Culture,” which aim to reconnect South Africans with their roots and traditions.
Khwezi Vika, Marketing Manager at Castle Milk Stout, expressed the brand’s enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Our partnership with Thandiswa Mazwai for this landmark performance embodied Castle Milk Stout’s mission of celebrating and nurturing South African cultural identity. Thandiswa’s journey from ‘Zabalaza’ to ‘Sankofa’ mirrored our brand’s commitment to honoring our roots while embracing progress, which is at the heart of our brand purpose, our brand purpose being “we exist to inspire Africans to rediscover our African traditions and values in a modern world”
The evening’s repertoire was a musical feast, featuring new tracks from “Sankofa” alongside beloved classics from “Zabalaza.” Fans were treated to the recently released single “Kulungile,” which featured acclaimed jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini. The performance not only showcased Mazwai’s exceptional vocal prowess but also highlighted her collaboration with notable producers including Meshell Ndegeocello, Chris Bruce, and Tendai Shoko.
Prior to the event, Mazwai shared her excitement about the performance: “I am thrilled to share this new music with my fans. It’s a privilege to still be doing what I love after 30 years in this industry. We promise a show full of love and celebration, honoring both where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
As part of this cultural celebration, Castle Milk Stout concluded a social media competition, offering fans an exclusive meet-and-greet session with Thandiswa Mazwai. The lucky winners had the unique opportunity to interact closely with the artist and gain deeper insights into her musical journey, further emphasizing the brand’s commitment to connecting fans with their cultural icons.
“This performance was more than just a concert; it was a cultural moment that celebrated the richness of South African music,” Vika concluded. “We invited music lovers to join us in savoring the depth and beauty of Thandiswa’s extraordinary talent. This event exemplified Castle Milk Stout’s dedication to elevating South African arts and culture as key elements of our shared heritage.”
Tickets for the event, priced from R350 to R600, were quickly snapped up by eager fans, resulting in a sold-out show.
This overwhelming response underscored Mazwai’s enduring popularity and the anticipation surrounding her new material.
For those who were unable to attend, Mazwai’s music, including tracks from “Sankofa,” are available on all major streaming platforms. Fans can also enjoy her recent Tiny Desk Concert, available on YouTube, which offers a taste of her captivating live performances.
Castle Milk Stout invited media partners and the public to join this 90-minute musical feast. For more information, please contact Abulele Ndamase at abulele@msportsmarketing.co.za
DID YOU KNOW?
Castle Milk Stout is a premium beer brand deeply rooted in South African culture. Known for its rich, full-bodied taste, the brand is committed to celebrating and promoting South African heritage, arts, and talent. Through its ‘Savour Your Richness’ brand positioning and campaigns like “Get It Back” and “Last Stories of Culture,” Castle Milk Stout encourages individuals to embrace and celebrate their cultural identity. The brand’s purpose is “we exist to inspire Africans to rediscover their African traditions and values in a modern world”
About Thandiswa Mazwai:
Thandiswa Mazwai is one of South Africa’s most influential and respected musicians. With a career spanning over three decades, she has been at the forefront of the country’s music scene, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary genres. Her debut solo album “Zabalaza” (2004) is considered a classic of South African music, and her latest offering “Sankofa” (2024) continues to push boundaries and celebrate African heritage.
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