Zolani Mahola to appear at GrandWest for Gregory Porter’s ‘Love is King’ concert tour
Adding local sophistication to international class, celebrated South African singer, actress and storyteller Zolani Mahola has been announced as the Cape Town supporting act for Gregory Porter at GrandWest.
The eight-time nominee and two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist is touring South Africa in November on a three-city concert tour.
The Love is King SA 2025 Tour begins at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on Wednesday 12 November at 20:00 before heading to Durban and Johannesburg.
Broad appeal
Mahola previously supported Porter at Kirstenbosch in 2023, giving audiences a taste of what can be expected when two generational vocalists share their talents on the same stage. She will be backed by The Feminine Force – Sky Dladla (percussion, indigenous instruments), Siyoli Waters (keyboards and vocals), Carla Williams (drums), Andiswa Ndwandwe (bass), Asiphe Ntyinkala and Aeryn (backing vocals).
The band has been set up to provide space for women to gather, sing and create positive change, part of Mahola’s advocacy for education, the environment and anti-gender-based violence (GBV) campaigns.
“I’m so happy to be supporting Gregory Porter again in the Mother City of Cape Town,” she said. “It will be wonderful to welcome him ‘home’ and share uplifting music from my upcoming sophomore solo album as well.”
“If there was ever a voice that represents South Africa Zolani is it,” Greg Maloka of co-promoter GRIZA Enterprises said. “Her cut-across appeal makes her a unique artist with a bold story to tell.”
Over 17 years of singing for Freshlyground Mahola shared stages with icons such as Stevie Wonder, BB King, Shakira, Hugh Masekela and Johnny Clegg. She also performed, in October 2024, at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the 30-year celebration of South Africa’s democracy.
As an ambassador for The Seachange Project (the team behind the Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher), Mahola is currently working on a film, exploring her bond with nature. There is also an autobiographical film and a new album in the works.
Acclaim
Gregory Porter, a New Yorker, is easily recognised by his signature cap and “deep booming baritone” voice. He is often likened to legends such as Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway and Bill Withers for his smooth, soulful sound, blending jazz, gospel, soul and blues.
He enjoys acclaim across the world, achieving critical and commercial success everywhere from his native US to Europe, the UK and Africa. After performing at the Joy of Jazz Festival in 2014 and 2015, Porter returned to South Africa in 2023 for six sold-out solo concerts.
Porter calls his Love is King SA 2025 Tour “a continued celebration of the incredible people of this nation,” also recently posting on his social media: “South Africa, I’m so excited to be returning to your beautiful country this November!”
Ticket prices start at R800.
Doors open at 19:00.
Book at www.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za
Three readers can each win a set of double tickets for the show at GrandWest on Wednesday 12 November. Entries close on Tuesday 4 November at 15:00. Multiple entries allowed.
This competition is now closed.
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