April 21 is going to be a tough date to perform on a stage in Minneapolis unless you’re wearing purple and billing yourself as a tribute to a former Paisley Park resident whose name was Prince.
Nomfusi boldly took the stage anyway. The Cedar Cultural Center hosted her show, and at least 70 people clapped and sang and grooved to her tunes. That the crowd was fewer in number did not stop her from giving it her all.
The Cedar’s executive director, Michelle Woster, explained to me the next day that “the performers are paid the same whether it’s a sellout crowd or a small one, so their performance is the same either way.”
With Nomfusi, it’s about more than money, even though one of her songs championed the earning of money to the max. Nomfusi presented an earnest and sincere demeanor. Her songs were about love, respect and raising up the oppressed. She didn’t give us half an effort but gave us her all.
Her all is impressive. She’s akin to the Carolina wren. Small in stature, but loud in voice. She started her show right at 7:30 p.m. on a Tuesday evening, even as people were still pulling themselves away from the remarkable spring weather and a deep colorful sunset.
Decked out in an outfit that shimmered and sparkled, Nomfusi did not take a back seat to any distractions. Along with her keyboardist, Ezra Erasmus, and her bassist, Talo Ndou, they took us on a journey of new work and familiar songs. She gave us a heads-up that we’d hear Afro-soul, Afro-jazz and traditional music from her homeland, South Africa.
Nomfusi has tagged herself as a blend of Miriam Makeba and Tina Turner. In her 90-minute set, she sang song after song that showed off her full-throated voice as well as her playful, whimsical lyrics and dance moves.
Song highlights
“Guwe” – a love song for anyone, a partner, sister, parent, child. “All the way from Africa, I came to get some love.”
“Owami” – a song about healing. It was a gorgeous journey she took us on as she performed it.
“To the top” – “You have to be your own source of strength. One thing I know, you’re gonna make it to the top. One thing I know, you’re gonna see your dreams come true.”
“Imali” – from The Lucky Charms album. Nomfusi is a perpetual source of positivity. This song had Tina Turner written all over it.
“Iqaqa” – this one featured classic South African singing with isicathamiya clicks.
There were many more energetic numbers. As the show wrapped up, I thought to myself it’s been a while since I’ve heard a woman sing with this level of strength and caliber at the Cedar or anywhere in Minneapolis. It’s no wonder she’s successful.
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About Susan Budig
Susan is based in Minneapolis and reports on general assignments for Mshale with a focus on entertainment. In addition to reporting, she is also a writer, poet, teacher and coach.
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