Mthwakazi Brings Xhopera, Xhosa funk and indigenous bow music to the Alexander Bar's Upstairs Theatre

Mthwakazi and Luyolo Lenga will perform an hour-long programme of Xhopera, Xhosa funk, indigenous bow music at the Alexander Bar, Café and Theatre this February. The evening will feature music written by Lenga.

Hailing from the Eastern Cape, Mthwakazi and her partner, acoustic guitarist and songwriter, Lenga, aim to thrill audiences with a vibrant and unique performance that combines the old with the new, the magical with the real. The 42-seater Alexander Upstairs Theatre is the perfect venue for an intimate performance by this incredible duo, who are fast warming the hearts of Capetonians across the city.

Mthwakazi, a Xhosa Opera singer-songwriter and performer, has a pioneered a new style of music known as Xhopera which synthesises African Indigenous bow music, classical opera and choral music. Her repertoire is mainly derived from Xhosa bow music and is firmly entrenched in African dance rhythms. She sings her songs in an extremely dynamic and angelic dramatic soprano, carrying a message that emphasises optimism, progress and advocates ubuntu as a way of living. The music deeply explores Africa's cultural heritage and powerfully promotes the use of the Xhosa language.

Mthwakazi seeks to awaken the forgotten times of great healing. The music she sings represents unity between Africans, between elders and youth, and between different genders and different races, for everyone who listens to the music feels a sense of ownership and belonging to the music and its message.

Mthwakazi performs at the Alexander upstairs on 19 February at 19:00. Tickets are available from the Alexander Bar website. Tickets cost R80 if booked and prepaid online, while tickets will also be available at the door for R90. For telephone enquiries, call 021 300 1652. The Alexander Bar, Café and Theatre is situated at 76 Strand Street in the Cape Town city centre and can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.