AWARD-WINNING legendary jazz and gospel singer Swazi Dlamini is celebrating 20 years since the release of her iconic debut album, My First Love, in 2003.
The celebration is called 20 years of My First Love in Concert and will take place at the Joburg Theatre on 19 March.
Swazi will reunite on stage with her original touring band including Sfiso Khanyile, SunnyBoy Mthimunye, Michael Phillips, Asanda Bam, Sibusiso Buthelezi, Ezra Erasmus, and Siyanqoba Mthethwa as musical director.
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Swazi (43), who recently became pastor of Jesus National Church, told SunBuzz that it has been a good musical journey for her since 2003.
"My debut album made me one of South Africa's most celebrated jazz artists. I travelled the world and received many awards.
"In 2004, my debut album won Best Female Artist at SAMA and Most Promising African Artist at the KORA all Afrika Awards," she said.
The Yekelukuganga hitmaker promises to take her audience on a nostalgic experience of good music, jazz and friendship.
Although Swazi is now a full-time gospel artist, she looks forward to singing old favourites like Yekelukuganga, Footprint and many more on stage.
"This will be an evening of singing and celebrating, dancing and cheering, and an evening of thanking the fans and people who have loved and supported my music career of over 20 years."
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“My first-born son Thandolwami (20), named after the title of my album, will also be on stage singing and being a DJ," she said.
The mother-of-three was a member of Joyous Celebration 2 to 5 since 1998, when she was 18 and is now full-time pastor.
Swazi has released eight albums under her solo name and two albums under her gospel ensemble. She has had an illustrious career singing backup for legendary jazz artists such as the late Busi Mhlongo, High Masikela and her mother-in-law Sibongile Khumalo.
She recently released a gospel album titled Victory, which includes songs such as Heavens Worship and We Call You.
