Latest news with #RedbullSymphonic
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Rorisang Sechele on her participation at this year's Symphomic and being part of Kids Love Jazz
Following her appearance at Red Bull Symphonic, Rorisang Sechele will perform at this weekend's Joburg Kids Love Jazz concert. Rorisang Sechele was the Vocal Music Director at this year's Redbull symphonic. Picture: Rorisang Sechele/Facebook Singer Rorisang Sechele was involved in the recent Red Bull Symphonic for a second year, and this year's edition came with more responsibility as she was the Vocal Music Director. 'That came with new responsibilities such as arranging the vocal parts for the choir, selecting the choir members, coordinating movements, and ensuring everything came together cohesively,' Sechele tells The Citizen. This year's Red Bull Symphonic was hosted at The Teatro, Montecasino for three days. 'It was a fulfilling challenge and added a whole new dimension to my involvement in the Symphonic.' ALSO READ: Kelvin Momo releases album amid speculation about his involvement at this year's Redbull Symphonic Rorisang's role at the symphonic Last year's edition of the symphonic featured Kabza De Small and Ofentse Pitse as the leads. This year, Kelvin Momo and music director and conductor Adam Howard were the stars of the show. 'This year felt quite different in terms of preparation and my role,' shares Sechele adding that the rehearsal process was much more seamless and efficient, compared to the previous year. 'We didn't spend long hours or several weeks rehearsing like before. I think that's largely because the music arrangements were well-prepared and easier to grasp in a shorter time.' She says preparation began about two months before the show, when she and Howard first started discussing the vision for the choir. 'He shared his ideas for certain songs but also gave me the creative freedom to run wild, which really allowed me to shape the vocal elements in a meaningful way,' Sechele says of her creative freedom. She arranged vocals for 12 songs over the course of about five consecutive days. 'I also created detailed vocal guides and count-ins, which allowed the choir to rehearse and familiarize themselves with the material even before we came together for final rehearsals. That preparation really contributed to how smoothly everything came together in the end.' ALSO READ: Adam Howard: SA's adopted son who fell in love with the music and never looked back Rorisang and The Seed Sechele is a recording artist in her own right after the release of her debut project this year, a seven-track album titled The Seed. Her music is tranquil and the perfect accompaniment to long drives and sunsets. 'The reception has honestly exceeded my expectations. It's incredibly heart-warming to hear people say the album brightens their day or that they can't start their morning without a dose of The Seed,' says Sechele. She shares that one of the biggest highlights since the album was released in February was receiving recognition from China Moses, daughter of three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Dee Dee Bridgewater. 'She featured The Seed on her segment on one of the world's leading jazz radio stations, which was a huge honour. The album was also nominated for Best Jazz Act at the Urban Music Awards, which is another milestone I'm deeply grateful for.' The South African State Theatre supported The Seed through the Incubator Programme, which meant Sechele had to be selective about what she included on the album. 'I also had to work within specific deadlines, which meant being strategic about what was included in The Seed.' However, since the song was her first official release, she says it has played a significant part in her musical journey. The word 'tsoga' means to rise or wake up. 'Tsoga carries a message that I felt needed to be heard first. Even though it doesn't sonically align with the rest of the album, its purpose was to awaken, to call people to rise.' ALSO READ: Thandiswa Mazwai says she would've accepted invite to national dialogue had Ramaphosa sent it Kids Love Jazz Sechele is on the line-up for this year's edition of Joburg jazz concert, Kids Love Jazz. The concert epitomises South Africa's vibrant jazz scene, which is so alive that young people, who aren't often viewed as its target market, gravitate towards the genre. 'What makes this especially meaningful is seeing young people embrace jazz and make it their own. As a young artist myself, it's beautiful to witness how jazz is being reimagined and celebrated by a new generation,' says Sechele. 'We often hear that jazz is 'old people's music,' but here we are, vibrant, youthful, and redefining what jazz looks and sounds like today.' NOW READ: WATCH: Kelvin Momo on 'private school' Amapiano and Red Bull Symphonic hype
TimesLIVE
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Singer Thato Hashatsi announces temporary hiatus due to Illness
Singer Thato Hashatsi has announced she will take a temporary break from performing due to an illness that has left her without her voice. The singer was set to perform at several events, including Redbull Symphonic, Market@theSheds, and Drama Hatfield PTA, all scheduled for June 7 2025, but had to cancel her appearances. In a statement shared on her timeline, Thato assured her fans she is committed to rescheduling or working with the promoters to find a suitable alternative once she has recovered. 'I Thatohatsi regret to inform you that due to an unexpected illness, I have temporarily lost my voice and was unable to perform at the Redbull Symphonic, Market@theSheds and Drama Hatfield PTA scheduled for June 7. . 'I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to the event organisers, their sponsors and to my supporters and truly appreciate your understanding during this challenging time. I am committed to rescheduling or working with the promoters to find a suitable alternative once I have recovered. I can't wait to see you all soon.'
News24
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Standing ovation, tears, joy: Kelvin Momo's Redbull Symphonic is a 10-out-of-10 production
Day one of the 2025 Redbull Symphonic, which happened on Friday, 6 June with Kelvin Momo at the centre of the action, went without a glitch. Momo has a setlist of 18 songs for the night – a number that might be considered small for his music catalogue, but the creme de la creme from his repertoire. Those in attendance witnessed that there's no love lost between Momo and Babalwa M. Curious to see what song would kick off the musical extravaganza, the anticipation was electrifying. Day one of the 2025 Redbull Symphonic, which happened on Friday, 06 June with Kelvin Momo at the centre of the action, went off without a glitch. The pitch was perfect, and the acoustics were stunning from the first note at Montecasino's Teatro. What song kicked off the night? The unexpected Four Corners of the World featuring Mzizi, with deep Sotho lyrics and an ethereal vibe. The single from Momo's Ntsako album set the scene. Right on cue, with a Moholobela (the traditional Basotho blanket) on his shoulder and a Mokorotlo (the traditional hat worn by the Basotho people of Lesotho and Southern Africa) as his crown, Mzizi walks on stage as the curtain lifts. Ushered by images of trees and the lights to match, he has a guitar and sets a musical treat of note into motion. The big screen with Redbull Symphonic lifts to reveal Kelvin and renowned conductor Adam Howard. Looking dapper, the two men are dressed in tailored black suits, Howard's jacket is adorned with wing-shaped glitter on the shoulders and back, while Momo accessorises his look with a 'Boys of Soweto' blanket he hangs on his arm. After a wave, a bow, and a hug, the two musical geniuses deliver on their promise to give fans an unforgettable night. Mzizi strums his guitar, and the Egoli orchestra begins to deliver magic through well-executed notes and harmonies. A choir of eight – four women and four men – join the DJ, conductor, and orchestra on stage. READ | WATCH | 'I'm grateful': Kelvin Momo announced as SA's 2025 Redbull Symphonic main act The crowd doesn't know it yet, but Momo has a setlist of 18 songs for the night – a number that might be considered small for his music catalogue, but the creme de la creme from his repertoire. Themba follows Four Corners of World from his Sewe album, which features the late Yallunder and Mkeyz. A close friend of Momo's, Yallunder, died earlier this year in March, which sees her vocals play in the background as Mkeyz joins Momo on stage. In his Thato Ya Modimo album, released just a few days before the Redbull Symphonic, he interludes with a song called Buya, which features and is a tribute to the late vocalist. The crowd is already warmed up when he switches gears to a re-imagined Umoya. Dressed in a body-hugging red dress, singer Mashudu sings her heart out, and the crowd joins her for the chorus of the hit song from Momo's Amukelani album. Crowd favourites Wa Nsiya from Momo's Kurhula album, and an orchestra-infused Soweto Groove follows. Like a kid witnessing Santa deliver everything he listed on his wish list, Momo is super happy watching his dream unfold. A jazzy vibe fills the room as Soweto Groove plays. Joining with his sax, Adam leaves conducting duties for a minute to join the fun. It's clear to the audience that he's having the time of his life on stage. Pictures of Momo's musical influences, including the late Hugh Masekela, flash in the background during the 'battle' of the strings. READ | WATCH | Kelvin Momo shares process behind how he names his album The crowd is singing along. There are no lyrics to Soweto Groove, but everyone seems to have chosen an instrument to embody. There's lah lah lah and imitation of saxophone sounds bouncing off the walls. Not a majaivane (good dancer) per se, Momo keeps to his signature salsa-inspired moves every time he steps away from the DJ desk. 2024's Emaphupeni starts, igniting questions about Babalwa's whereabouts as Makhanj – also dressed in a body-hugging red dress, steps onto the stage alone to belt out her parts of the hit song. Then Inyembezi, a song Momo looked forward to recreating, has him step away from the desk to sing the lyrics with his fans. Originally, the song had vocals from Babalwa M and Aymos, but on stage, Momo had the choir delivering the vocals instead. In an interview with News24, Momo told off the song's story and origins. At conception, the song had the words he needed someone to say to him because, thanks to the music industry, he was filled with doubt. This after his Private School album catapulted him into fame. Momo said when he created his Ivy League album, he needed to remind himself that 'he's not money, and he won't make everyone happy'. What he needed to do was stick to his guns, and he did. There's satisfaction in his face when he sings the song now. He's lived his song. The audience can tell. Then, totally unexpectedly, rapper Areece comes out as the stage 'resets.' Instead of the private school Amapiano everyone is here for, Areece raps: 'If Kelvin did it, I got the feeling I can do it too.' The flute shines at this time, and Kelvin, probably too shy to sing his own praises, does his version of Kabza De Small's Kabza Chant (in the song, Kabza totes his own horn, with the help of industry contributors who consider him the GOAT as well). It's a song that says, 'I am the guy I think I am'. The 'Uphi o Babalwa?' whispers continue as Momo, Howard, and the orchestra deliver beautiful versions of some of Momo's hits, Jazzzue, Uhambe Wrongo, and Vulani. Bo Gogo and Waze Wamuhle get the crowd on their feet. With the vibes in full effect – plus the alcohol in the audience's systems – the theatre turns into a mini club. Then there's a pause. Momo disappears behind the stage. When he comes out, a question that has been all night is finally answered. Where's Babalwa M? She walks out with Momo hand-in-hand on stage, dressed in a short, embezzled hot pink dress. Later in the show, Momo thanks his family, friends and mother-in-law, confirming that he's off the market. The pair, who were romantically linked and then alleged to have broken up, presented a united front on stage. Having contributed to most of Momo's hits, Babalwa gets her flowers as soon as she walks onto the stage, from Momo and the audience, evidenced by the screams. The Babalwa segment begins with Pholisa Intliziyo, with a brief appearance by Baby S.O.N. Then, one of Momo's biggest songs, Sukakude, which means we've come far from where we started, begins – re-imagined but equally mesmerising. READ | 'Music saved me': Kelvin Momo talks humble beginnings, pioneering private school amapiano Then, we are transported seamlessly into Amalobolo before Babalwa leaves the stage and the song that ends the night begins. Song Cry from Momo's Ivy League, featuring Mhaw Keys, is rightfully the last song because it changes the mood in the room. Momo sheds tears, seemingly in disbelief that he's living his dream at that moment. The Egoli orchestra, with Howard conducting, and the magical vocals from the choir transport the audience to a different place. The show is over when the song ends, and everyone lands back on planet Earth. 'Where did the time go?' says someone behind me. I relate. The show was too short. I am sure day two and three will be a treat. For those who failed to get the tickets, the full show will be screened as a 'delayed live' on Channel O in July, so eventually, everyone will get a front-row seat. Stay tuned to Red Bull and Channel O's social channels for details, and run to social media for the teasers.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Kelvin Momo releases album amid speculation about his involvement at this year's Redbull Symphonic
Momo removed all Red Bull Symphonic-related content from his social media. Kelvin Momo has released a new album, this after speculation of him no longer performing at the Redbull Symphonic Ochestra. Picture: Kelvin Momo/Facebook Music producer Kelvin Momo has released a new album after a tumultuous week in the media, which led to speculation about his involvement at this year's Red Bull Symphonic. 'It's not just an album for me, this one hits home,' wrote Momo on his Instagram stories. Real name Thato Ledwaba, on Friday, Momo released the 29-track album titled Thato. 'This is the only way I can express my emotions and feelings,' Momo wrote in his Instagram stories. This week, Momo's team released an apologetic statement after the amapiano producer missed two shows he was scheduled for the weekend before. Earlier this month, reports emerged about an Australian promoter filing a liquidation application against Momo's company, Kelvin Momo Production, in the Johannesburg High Court. This was after he failed to honour his performance commitments in Melbourne and Perth, where he was booked to play 60-minute sets on two consecutive nights in November 2024. The Citizen reached out to the producer and his team for comment. However, no response was received at the time of publishing. ALSO READ: Kelvin Momo a no-show – again Speculation over Redbull Symphonic participation Amid the negative media reports surrounding him, Momo removed all Red Bull Symphonic-related content from his social media. This led to speculation and concern that he might no longer perform at the concert, together with music director and conductor Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra. Kelvin removed the Symphonic posts alongside the link to the event? 😭😭😭😭😭🤣 May 28, 2025 The Citizen reached out to Red Bull for comment following the removal of the content from Momo's social media. No response was received. However, on Friday morning, following The Citizen's enquiry, which was shared with Momo and Red Bull, the producer reinstated all the Red Bull Symphonic posts that had been removed a few days earlier. What Momo did was archive his Instagram posts. This is a tool on Instagram that allows a person to remove a post from the public's view temporarily. Yet, the account holder can still see the archived posts and even unarchive them to make them visible on their Instagram feed again. Before this, Momo had posted a cryptic message on his Instagram about choosing himself. ALSO READ: WATCH: Kelvin Momo on 'private school' Amapiano and Red Bull Symphonic hype Momo's long album Some have joked that his albums are so long that one can drive from Joburg to Limpopo just listening to one of Momo's albums until they reach their destination. His latest release runs for just under four hours. 'You know when you're in studio and you do a song and the song becomes nicer as you add more elements like the bass guitar. I just decide there that the song is getting stretched and made longer because it shouldn't be this short,' Momo told The Citizen earlier this year. NOW READ: Adam Howard: SA's adopted son who fell in love with the music and never looked back
News24
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Kelvin Momo shares process behind how he names his albums
Have you ever wondered how artists choose the name of their albums? All artists have their own thought processes, and in this video, Kelvin Momo talks News24 through his. Fresh from selling out three shows for the upcoming 2025 Redbull Symphonic, private school amapiano pioneer Kelvin Momo is looking forward to giving the people what they want in June. Sharing some of his the thought process that goes behind how he names his albums, Momo shared some personal stories embedded in the names of his projects. Momo, who will be joined by renowned conductor Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphonic Orchestra at Montecasino on 6, 7 and 8 of June has previously told News24 how grateful he is for the opportunity to headline the Redbull Symphonic show. The first Redbull Symphonic in South Africa happened in 2024 with Kabza De Small as the main act.
