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Phumlani S Langa salivates over the prospect of international talents visiting our shores again. See his wish list of acts from abroad
We are halfway through the year and can start to look forward to more international visitors performing on our local stages. We have a few festivals coming up that could accommodate big-time performers, such as DStv Delicious, Castle Lite Unlocks series of events, and new festivals popping up and picking up where things were left off before Covid-19.
We have a few in-demand acts we think should be headed our way sometime this year, or that we certainly wish would. Check out our list and let us know what you think.
DRAKE
Listen, the album might have us divided but if there was ever a reason for this guy to head back to our shores, it’s Honestly, Nevermind. The experimental project cemented Drake’s bond with local DJ Black Coffee, who executive produced the offering. We would like to hear some of the old stuff.
BURNA BOY
He is, simply put, one of the best continental exports we have. It would be great to see Burna Boy hit a stage locally and maybe even quash his beef with AKA and do their banger of a hit single, All Eyes On Me. The song remains among their top rated on streaming platforms.
You can imagine our delight when Delicious announced his visit to our shores this week, but just know this was written before that was announced. It would be cool if he brought Santan Dave along, so that they could perform the hit single Location. Or perhaps Stefflon Don – if the pair are still kicking it, of course.
THE ROOTS
There were rumours that this band – arguably the best of its kind – was going to be performing in South Africa but then... Covid. Led by an Academy Award winner in drummer and producer extraordinaire Questlove, some of us would trade an organ to see The Roots perform. All they need is to ask Jimmy Fallon for leave now and we should be good. The Back to the City festival is yet to happen, but, should it, this is the calibre of artist we want to see.
BEYONCÉ
Queen Bey and the president of women all around the world has a new project that’s being rolled out now. Inevitably a world tour will follow, and Beyoncé does happen to be one of the best performers around. If the album is as good as projected, then why not?
DOJA CAT
Khumbulekhaya, the estranged daughter of local veteran actor Dumisani Dlamini, has become a global pop sensation. Yes, Doja Cat’s style is centred on rap at times, but we have more than passed the phase in which someone who raps isn’t necessarily doing hip-hop. She has a large local following and would probably be worth a ticket purchase.
JACK HARLOW
It may pain some of you, but Jack Harlow does have one of the most complete hip-hop albums for this year. Who knew they had raps in Kentucky? It might be Drake-like, but Harlow is simply following a template that works and manipulating it to his advantage. His performance at the BET awards wasn’t bad to watch.
TEMS
Another incredible Nigerian talent. Tems freaks a leak every time. We would trade an organ to see her on one of our stages. We don’t even mind which festival hits her up. Her unique vocal stylings set her apart from so many on this list, and her debut project For Broken Ears is an absolute Afrobeats classic. Based on what she has done, signing hooks for the likes of Future, some South African act needs to put in a request for a collaboration as a matter of urgency.
