Simphiwe Dana | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Simphiwe Dana |
Born | Butterworth, Transkei South Africa | January 23, 1980
Origin | Johannesburg, South Africa |
Genres | Jazz, Afro-soul and traditional music |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, record producer |
Instrument | Vocals |
Website | SimphiweDana |
Simphiwe Dana (born 23 January 1980) is a South African singer and songwriter who works mostly in her mother tongue, the Xhosa language.[1] Dana is also known for her creative social commentary and activism through music as a political art form. Her career in music began in 2002, at the age of 22.
Born in Butterworth and raised in Lusikisiki in Transkei, Dana signed a record deal with Gallo Records and released her debut studio album, Zandisile (2004), which became a commercially success, won Best Newcomer and Best Jazz Album.