MEMEZA AFRICA is a brilliant example of what can happen when two worlds come together in harmony. This masterful fusion of traditional African music and dance combined with spellbinding original Canadian compositions, delivers a performance so packed with energy and emotion, audiences are left profoundly moved and sincerely hooked.
Led by South African singer-songwriter Jimmy Mulovhedzi, and Canadian guitarist, singer-songwriter, Holly Wright, this fourteen piece spirited ensemble delivers a powerhouse performance that seamlessly moves from traditional African songs to fully captivating and passionate compositions supported by the unique African harmonies, only to catapult the audience without warning, into a dancing frenzy of gumboot or Zulu dances. The spectacular vocal harmonies and jaw-dropping dance performances are supported by traditional djembe drums and acoustic guitar in an unparalleled blend of styles and sound.
Memeza Africa powers through the boundaries of nationality, language and culture to strike at the heart and soul of the listener, resulting in an emotional and unforgettable journey through the universal language of music.
The spirit and passion created by this unique fusion has consistently provoked heartfelt responses of audiences from around the world, saying the Memeza experience has moved them in a way no other show has done.
Memeza Africa was born out of the dream of Holly Wright’s to re-record her song “The World Shall Love Again” while living in South Africa. She connected with Jimmy Mulovhedzi and through the mutual passion for the message of this song, soon developed a strong bond and common goal; to bring their two cultures together through music and spread a message of love and tolerance. This ultimately led to the unique and powerful musical collaboration Memeza Africa, bringing together the songs and styles of South Africa and Canada.
HOLLY WRIGHT
CO-CREATOR MEMEZA AFRICA
guitar, vocals, song-writer and musical director
Holly Wright was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, started playing guitar at the age of seven and composed her first song at the age of fourteen. At the age of twenty, she met the late master guitarist and luthier, Frank Gay who worked with her to further hone her guitar skills and the pair then performed together at festivals and concert halls in Alberta until the time of his death.
Holly continued song writing and perfecting her guitar style and in 1990 formed the acoustic folk-swing group Triphoria performing all her original material. During their time together, they garnered great industry attention, had two songs nominated for recording industry awards and received publishing interest from Warner Music.
In 2004 Holly moved to Johannesburg, South Africa and following a strong instinct and great desire to re-record one of her songs (The World Shall Love Again) with African musicians, she met up with Jimmy Mulovhedzi, choir director of the Holy Jerusalem choir in Soweto. Jimmy connected deeply with the lyrics of her song which speak of tolerance and understanding, and the two immediately agreed to begin working to bring their two musical styles together. The result was Memeza Africa; a powerful fusion of Canadian and South African music, passion and culture.
Holly continues to write music and now co-writes with Jimmy to expand upon the beautiful repertoire of Memeza Africa; a collaboration that has already proven to have massive universal appeal.
JIMMY MULOVHEDZI
CO-CREATOR MEMEZA AFRICA
vocals, dance choreographer, song-writer
and musical director
Jimmy Mulovhedzi, born in Soweto South Africa, is an African Traditional Dance Choreographer, Songwriter, Musical Director and co-creator of Memeza Africa and the son of Grammy Award winners Soweto Gospel Choir’s Director David Mulovhedzi.
Growing up during the apartheid era, he experienced first hand, the oppression and discrimination of his people and survived a vicious beating at the hands of the military officers of the government in the 80’s.
As leader of the Holy Jerusalem Choir from 1986 to 2005, his music sustained him and he continued to pursue his dream of being a professional touring musician. He was mentor to many youth in his community who found a safe place to spend their time, learning to sing and dance with his choir.
Jimmy recently became a certified HIV counsellor and trainer along with many members of Memeza Africa and now works to educate and counsel people with HIV/AIDS in areas where stigma still prevents many from being tested.
Through the words and spirit of their music, Memeza Africa represents how two cultures can come together and break down the barriers of racial intolerance and spread a message of love and acceptance.
Members of this multi-talented group originate from Soweto, South Africa located 20 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg. Soweto is South Africa’s largest black community alive with a vibrant energy and rich in culture and history. Designed to segregate the black community during the apartheid era, the resilience and spirit of the people triumphed and brought them together, making Soweto the home of South African freedom music.
Memeza Africa not only gives members the opportunity to showcase their talents, but offers the potential to provide an income in a community where the unemployment rate is staggering. This passionate musical collaboration not only changes the lives of the members through creating employment, but also impacts the lives of the listeners by temporarily immersing them into Memeza's beautiful world of music and dance.
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