The Red Stoep

In South Africa, a stoep is a veranda of a house and any gathering on it creates an instant space of sharing and community. With her fourth full-length, South African singer Nomfusi invites us all to join her in her observations of life and to share her devotion to her lineage (Xhosa clicks abound in first single ‘Iqaqa’) and her belief in the possibilities of merging roots sounds – irresistible maskandi guitars, keyboard grooves and township rhythms – with the effervescence of mainstream pop, as well as soul and jazz.

Produced with care and grace by saxophonist Steve Dyer and supported by some terrific, understated playing by Mark Williams (lead guitar), Khola Phalatse (bass), Lungile Maduna (drums) and Sanilde Mgcina (keys), The Red Stoep places Nomfusi's voice at its heart. Its evocative power allows her to traverse social issues (gender-based violence on ‘Nomahamle’) as effortlessly as matters of the heart and spirit – on the gorgeous album closer ‘Yesu Langa Lomphefumlo (The Hymn)’ – and draws us together in this time of great need.