Wandile Mbambeni has been selected as one of the supporting acts for Kirk Whalum’s upcoming show at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. This decision falls in line with Australia’s “Michael’s Rule” initiative, which aims to promote local artists by featuring them as support acts for major international tours.
Mbambeni, a talented singer-songwriter, is known for his unique blend of country blues, soul, and folk music. His debut album, “Maturation,” was released in 2017 and featured seven soulful tracks. Following the success of his debut, Mbambeni released his second album, “Kwakumnandi,” in 2018, which showcased his growth as an artist with standout songs like “Nanamhlanje,” “Anyway,” and “Lithemba.”
This won’t be Mbambeni’s first time performing at the Music in the Gardens event. He previously graced the stage as an opening act for Grammy Award-winning artist PJ Morton. With his recent releases, including the heartfelt single “Hey Lord,” Mbambeni continues to captivate audiences with his soulful vocals and introspective lyrics.
In addition to Mbambeni, Amanda Black, another well-known South African artist, will also be performing as a supporting act for Whalum’s show. Bandile Mngoma, Senior Manager of Sponsorships & Events at Old Mutual, expressed excitement about the lineup, stating that it will be a day to remember for music lovers.
Kirk Whalum, a Grammy-award winning jazz musician, is best known for his iconic saxophone solo on Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” With a career spanning decades, Whalum has collaborated with legendary artists such as Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, and Barbra Streisand. His upcoming performances in South Africa mark a return to the country after his last visit in 2014.
Whalum will kick off his South African tour with a performance at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperor’s Palace, followed by a show at the Music in the Gardens event at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening of soulful jazz music from Whalum and the talented supporting acts, Mbambeni and Black.
