An Evening with Ann Masina is a collaborative musical performance by the internationally acclaimed musician and performing artist, Ann Masina. The performance took place live at The Centre for the Less Good Idea in May 2021 as part of The Centre’s For Once programme, and was live-streamed to a global online audience.

A few opening words by friend and long-time collaborator of Masina, Gerard Bester opens the evening. Through a brief introduction, Bester contextualises the resounding character and 25 year career of Masina – an internationally renowned musician, stage performer, and frequent collaborator within the arts.

With Masina’s full band on stage, comprising drums, piano, guitar, violin, and a trio of backing vocalists, the music takes hold. Masina, who begins her performance off stage, gradually takes her position at the centre of the band, performing all the while. This opening song, a powerful demonstration of Masina’s vocal range and command of the stage, also serves to mark the beginning of her journey as a solo artist.

In the resultant performance, Masina and her band traverse numerous genres and moods, including heady jazz and gospel numbers, and stunning operatic moments, with two of the compositions being written by Masina during South Africa’s hard lockdown in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. While Masina’s vocals take centre stage, solo moments by guitarist Augustus Ogoro or pianist John Afolabi lend the performance further texture and provide Masina with the opportunity to switch up her vocal range, layering single songs with a rich and diverse musical quality.

Further collaborations come in the form of vocalist Phumla Nzolo who takes to the mic for a song of her own, as well as a live spoken word performance by poet Lebo Mashile, performing in another original song by Masina. A tribute performance also sees Masina’s own take on Brenda Fassie’s ‘Too Late for Mama’.

The performance marks a significant point of departure for the artist who, until this point, has largely been known for her vocal flair and prolific nature as a collaborating artist. An Evening with Ann Masina, then, showcases the artist’s striking command of the stage and her profound abilities as a solo artist.

– David Mann

CREDITS:

LEAD VOCALIST & PRODUCER | Ann Masina
VOCALISTS | Phumla Nzolo (Alto), Penuel Langa (Tenor) & Paulinah Ngubeni (Soprano)
BAND | John Afolabi (Piano), Augustus Ogoro (Guitar), Adam Mathye (Drums) & Leroy Mapholo (Violin)
POET | Lebo Mashile
MASTER OF CEREMONIES | Gerard Bester
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER | Rushau Productions: Rufus Thabana
CO-FUNDER | The Office: Rachel Chanoff, Laurie Cearley
STUDIO | Bootleggers Studios: Nonhlanhla Khumalo
COSTUME DESIGNER | Jeminah Makelene
HAIR STYLIST | Dr Dread
MAKE-UP ARTIST | Glitter Face: Phila Msimang