South Africa’s foremost female artist, Lira, American Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter and producer, Syleena Johnson, and Afro soul singer and songwriter Berita, will share the stage in the one-night-only Divas of Soul concert at Carnival City this month.
Catch these powerhouse vocalists for this rare musical event at the Big Top Arena on August 23.
“What an honour it is to have our very own super star Lira return to her roots right here in Ekurhuleni this month, and perform alongside our excellent local artist Berita and international artist Syleena Johnson,” said Michelle Smith, marketing manager of Carnival City.
“This is bound to be one for the books.”
Lira, a coach and judge on South Africa’s version of the international hit music reality TV show, The Voice, has accomplished much as an artist to list, including performances in Europe and 12 American states.
This month, however, America joins her and Berita on home soil as Syleena Johnson gets ready to entertain audiences with her powerful voice.
Syleena Johnson has built a lasting career as a distinctively forthright soul and R&B artist.
The daughter of unsung soul great Syl Johnson, she was born in Harvey, Illinois, and grew up listening to Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Tina Turner, the Dells, and Mavis Staples.
Syleena performed in local bands, sang in her church choir, and later worked in classical and gospel choirs, as well as in jazz ensembles at Drake University and Illinois State University.
Her soulful rasp, reminiscent of old school R&B singers, saw Syleena first collaborate with her father, Syl Johnson in the mid-90s. She made her proper debut with Love Hangover which featured covers by the likes of Diana Ross and Womack & Womack.
Read: Daar gaan lekker gekuier word by Carnival City
She then signed with the Jive label for three albums, all of which reached the Top 20 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.
Countless other successful albums, number one hits, collaborations and tours with the likes of Lalah Hathaway, Indira Khan, and Lisa Simone as Daughters of Soul, makes Syleena a professional, sought after artist with a wealth of experience.
Six studio albums as well as a live recording of vocals in studio with her father, creating their rendition of Syl Johnson’s Is It Because I’m Black are what make this soul songstress incredible.
Multi-award winning, gold selling, singer and songwriter, the young Berita is proving to be one of the most important new voices of our generation in the Afro Soul genre.
Known to make classic hit singles that resonate with people of all ages, at just the tender age of 25, Berita has touched the hearts of many and received endorsements from the likes of Mama Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, world renowned Oliver Mtukudzi and even Grammy award-winning flugelhornist and composer, Hugh Masekela.
Berita has also added her voice and flavour to collaborations with South African house DJ icon Oskido, as well as Black Motion, Lulo Café and DJ Q’ness.
Gather all your friends and family who enjoy authentic, unforgettable soul music and get ready to sing and sway to Berita’s Thandolwethu and other favourites, to Lira’s Something inside so strong, Listen, Let there be light, and so many others, as well as Syleena’s I am your woman, Perfectly worthless, Hypnotic, Baby I’m so confused and several other loved songs.
South African radio DJ, television presenter, MC, businesswoman and reality TV star, Dineo Ranaka plays host for this show.
The show starts at 6pm.
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