After singer Marie Fredriksson passed away from cancer five years ago, it was initially predicted that this would be the end of Roxette, but frontman and guitarist Per Gessle recently announced that they would be bringing in Swedish pop star Lena Phillipson as their new vocalist. I welcomed you.
Mzansi is looking forward to a series of musical events that will turn the next 12 months or so into an entertainment extravaganza. From festivals to the welcome return of Roxette to great jazz, we've got everything on the lineup.
It's been almost a decade since Roxette brought their style of Swedish pop-rock to South Africa, and a lot has happened in those nine years. Singer Marie Fredriksson's death from cancer five years ago initially signaled the end of Roxette, but frontman and guitarist Per Gössl recently recruited Swedish pop star Lena Phillipson as their new vocalist. The band is back on tour, with shows scheduled in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
In a statement announcing the tour, Gessle said: “This is about my Roxette song, a huge bundle of music and lyrics that I've been writing for over 30 years. I have no intention of starting a new duo. Marie will always be irreplaceable. But , I was lucky to have a great voice and a great performer in Lena Phillipson.
Gössl co-wrote Phillipson's first big hit in 1986 and said, “She is one of the brightest stars Sweden has ever known.'' I’m very proud that they want to be a part of the journey.”
Roxette will perform at the Times Square Arena in Pretoria, Johannesburg on February 28, 2025.
Jazz Fun: Carnegie Hall Orchestra
Jazz lovers and those who truly want to discover the beauty of music's greatest freedom are in for a treat. The Carnegie Hall National Youth Orchestra has announced its debut tour to South Africa, with performances scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from July 26 to August 5 this year.
Clive Gillinson, executive and artistic director of Carnegie Hall, said in a statement: “We are thrilled that the National Youth Orchestra Jazz is making its debut in South Africa this year, the first youth ensemble in our country to do so. This will be his first visit to Africa.” “Given South Africa's very rich musical tradition, including a deep passion for jazz, we know this tour will be a great opportunity for these talented young players to discover music and culture. ” he said.
Carnegie Hall also commissioned a new work by South African composer Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane. Mr. Massiroan said in the announcement: “South Africa is truly a homeland where jazz resonates deeply in our souls. My work is an invitation to a musical dialogue that celebrates the South African way of doing music. We embrace the joyous spirit of the legendary Hugh Masekela and , weaving together many of our other diverse musical influences to create the powerful and haunting sound of our homeland of South Africa.”
The ensemble's diverse program will include big band classics by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams and others. The tour begins at the Market Theater on the weekend of July 26-28, before moving to Durban and Cape Town. Tickets can be purchased at webticket.
Also read: Megastar Robbie Williams to headline Calabash South Africa 2025
Gorgeous headline lineup at Calabash
Robbie Williams will be the headliner on the first day of next year's Calabash Festival, while The Offspring, Green Day and Fokofpoliciekar will be performing on the second day of the event. This lineup is sure to be just as loud next year as the 2024 event, which featured Maroon 5 among many other killer performers.
The tour will perform in Johannesburg on January 18 and 19, 2025 before heading to the Mother City.
Robbie Williams has produced six of the top 100 best-selling albums in British history, selling a staggering 80 million albums worldwide and producing 14 chart-toppers. He also received his record-breaking 18th BRIT Award, among other accolades on the mantelpiece.
Fokofpolisiekar needs no introduction.Of course, Offspring punk rock anthems like Pretty Fly (For A White Guy) Green Day's work resonates across generations. American Idiot Among many other hits, it would be great in a live setting.
Read now: “Crash!” Boom! “Bang!”: Swedish pop rockers Roxette head to SA
