Basadi Women Of Jazz
Basadi Women Of Jazz ’s greatest recognition was honoured by the university of Foreign Languages and information technology- HUFLIT Ho Chi Manh City in Vietnam. Basadi Women Of Jazz ‘s experience in their music circle and their subsequent qualification as music tutors and great South Africa’s ambassadors in any category of music.
The band has also represented South Africa in over 30 countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and Singapore, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland and Vienna to mention a few. The Band has represented South Africa at the Millennium Dome in London where they appeared live on 22 channels, including BBC television. Basadi Women Of Jazz also shared the stage with the Danish 72 piece orchestra during the South African 10 years freedom celebration this includes Egypt, Algeria, Rwanda and the greatest performance was during the 2014 exhibition launch of Nelson Mandela in Paris traveling with former minister Mr Paul Mashatile and Former Mayor Mr Parks Tau.
Members:
Mabatho Masopha: founder, Leader Singer and Flutist
Dineo Masopha: Percussionist and Backing Vocs
Sibongile Gwacela: Bassist and Backing Vocs
Phuti Sepuru: Pianist and backing Vocs
Annie Curtis: Drummer and backing Vocals
In the band’s extensive experience, three members of the band passed away: Nomadlozi Spies Bassist, Vangeli Dlamini – the only male member that ever worked in the band and Pianist, Thembi Mtshali.
Standby and Former Members: Fran Hilton Smith, Lilly Molea, Emily Molatedi, Bonnie Stark, Busi Sibisi , Portia Sibiya and Nozipho Mguni.
Basadi’s Musical style is diverse, rich and varied; and famously references the sounds of the 60’s to date when performing live, listeners know to expect South African classics such as the soothing sounds of Afro ,Jazz , Blues and mild Pop. The band’s music style has afforded them the opportunity to perform for dignitaries such as The Royal house of Swedish Political leaders, Kofi Anan, Former President Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and President Jacob Zuma and other prominent great leaders that got their music to dance.
The band has shared stages with great icons such as Hugh Masekela, Letta and Caiaphas Semenya, Late Mariam Makeba, Princess of Africa Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the late Brenda Fassie and many more.