It all started with a little girl's dream
When I was 12 I wanted to become the youngest author by writing a super fantastic book as a child and break some kind of record. I didn't.
But 26 years later I put on a play based on some parts of my life and I could never have predicted what it would look or sound like or that it would connect with so many people
But I knew I had to do it and so I did. I did it to understand myself more than for others to understand me. It’s the truth with all my art I think - it’s a look inside the internal mirror to see who looks back..
Thank you Lara Foot at the Baxter theatre for saying yes when I walked into the office and said: “I wanna do something!"
The play was surprising
Many people thought they were coming to see a music show or a biographical the hits journey of my super awesome and successful band Freshlyground.
Well, we were all surprised when it turned out to be a deep dive into the life of a girl whose life was turned around after the death of her loving mother and who survived a wounded predator and went on to live a life … unique and at the same time so familiar to all of us in its flaws and tribulations.
The play changed my life and it feels so good to tell my story. Many more chapters are to be lived and revealed.
All my friends
The One Who Sings was directed by the phenomenal Faniswa Yisa, with creative direction by my long-time collaborator Angela Nemov.
Aron Turest-Swartz, my creative partner, helped me dream it from beginning to end and Jeremy Handler helped me write it. Warren Wilensky produced it while Babalwa Mni did a superb job assisting me.
And not to forget Tiisetso Somo - our glorious intern.
I’m planning on putting the play on in Europe later this year, Jozi in the first half of 2020, KKNK this March, Grahamstown when I’m back from Europe I think and who knows where!
Love
The One Who Sings
