Simphiwe Dana was in concert, one-night-only, last night, July 29, 2026 at Artscape: Symphonic Experience with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. It was a transcendent experience with the iconic singer/writer/producer accompanied by the CTPO, conducted by Brandon Phillips. Dana was accompanied by her musical director, Tshepo Tsotetsi and rhythm section and a power house of backing vocals. The vocal team and Dana frequently went a capella during the evening. Brandon Phillips held space for all entities and layers in this beautiful and moving experience in which Dana shared aspects of her musical journey – for example – learning to play the piano – her own way – with reference to her own melodic approach as an artist: People who would understand her rhythms and harmonies and would help her “teach herself”. Love that. Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1PqEAA8HyK/ and https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbafj3FN0Vj/
Visual backdrops and striking lighting plots illuminated songs and stories, with Dana donning two striking gowns – in each half of the programme – and platform stiletto sandals. The sandals were discarded in the 2nd half as Dana amped up her dance moves and boogied with the audience. In one tender moment, she paused and actually sat down, taking a breather. It was an intimate encounter with the renowned Dana in an epic setting – the Artscape Opera House – with the CPO – but casual – relaxed easy – African style – grounded – with the orchestra on the stage – exposed – not in a pit – with Dana venturing off stage into the auditorium to connect with the audience.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans entranced and standing ovations throughout. It was the best dressed crowd I have seen this winter in Cape Town. Most concert goers discarded their down jackets and dressed gorgeous-glam to greet their Queen of Music, Simphiwe Dana. It was Dana’s first performance with the Philly. The concert ended with Dana welcoming Artscape’s CEO Dr Marlene le Roux onto the stage. The wise and wonderful CEO gave a beautiful tribute to Dana and remarked that the concert opens the 2026 Artscape Women’s Humanity Arts Festival. Simphiwe Dana and Dr le Roux were joined on stage by the charismatic Adriaan Fuchs, the CEO and Artistic Director of the CPO. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbZE7soNgk7/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18zfo68z97/
❇ Simphiwe Dana – a moment of pause – grounded at her concert: Simphiwe Dana Symphonic Experience with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. July 29, 2026, Artscape, Pic Robyn Cohen/TheCapeRobyn.
