Simply put, the Bongeziwe Mabandla concert at Joe’s Pub (QRO venue review) on Monday, February 19th was a marvelous experience to behold. Hailing from Tsolo, South Africa, Bongeziwe Mabandla is an artist that’s made a name for himself by expanding the multitudes of folk music, while also sharing his experiences potently in the isiXhosa language. It’s always special seeing an artist playing their first show in New York City, and this night was no exception to that.
The confidence that Mabandla had was apparent from the moment he took to the stage, almost feeling like a cloak. However, that cloak of confidence only drew the audience in as opposed to creating a barrier between audience and performer. This was evident the moment the concert started with “sisahleleleni (i)”, a song that went viral due Mabandla’s performance of it on the COLORS platform. It’s one thing to see a song performed online, but seeing how it can enrapture a room in a live context cannot compare. What proceeded from that moment was a perpetual exchange of energy between artist and audience.
That confidence brought up earlier also allowed for glimmers of intimacy, candor and modesty from Mabandla, and that passionate energy exchange intensified throughout the concert. The applause between each song grew louder and louder as the night progressed, reaching a point where audience members were applauding even before a song finished. Near the tail end of the concert, the majority of the room were up to their feet applauding, dancing and screaming (respectfully) towards Mabandla. With such a strong first show in New York, one can only expect that he’s meant for more memorable nights in this city in the years to come. Definitely an artist not to miss.
-photos by Angela Cholmondeley, courtesy of Joe’s Pub
