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The Bala Brothers, three gifted South African siblings lifted out of poverty through their sheer musical talent and already stars in their own country, promise to become one of the most exciting new vocal trios to take the world stage. Produced by Daniel Hart and recorded in the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg, this concert presents the multi-talented group accompanied by a chamber orchestra, a five-piece band, and South Africa’s famous Drakensburg Boys Choir, where all three Bala Brothers received some of their earliest musical training and which instilled their love of performing.
The Bala Brothers concert presents a mix of South African-influenced music, from "Lion King" favorites like “Circle of Life” and “He Lives in You” to Paul Simon’s “Under African Skies.” As a tribute to the late South African president Nelson Mandela, the Bala Brothers perform the Labi Siffre classic, “Something Inside So Strong,” a moving moment made all the more poignant by Winnie Mandela’s presence in the audience. The show closes with a roof-raising performance of “Pata Pata,” the joyous dance song made famous by South Africa’s “First Lady of Song,” Miriam Makeba. Warner Classics will release an album of the concert program on March 3.
The Bala Brothers’ journey from the mean streets of the Kwa-Nobuhle Township to a stadium-rocking performance at the 2013 Nelson Mandela Memorial Concert in Cape Town Stadium has seen each develop his own vocal style.
Oldest brother Zwai, the first black child in the Drakensburg Choir during the dark years of apartheid, emerged from early success with rap to become an all-round producer and arranger, from pop to classical. Loyiso is the rhythm and blues and gospel singer-songwriter and producer in the family, and the youngest, Phelo, is a newly minted pop artist. Combined, these already seasoned voices transcend musical categories to produce an authentic and joyful sound in a wide range of repertoire, all grounded in their extraordinary African experience.
Bala Brothers are on Facebook, Instagram, and you can follow @BalaBrothers on Twitter.
