PRESS: Zolani Mahola to appear at GrandWest as part of Gregory Porter’s Love is King concert tour

Jeni Fletcher

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Adding local sophistication to international class, celebrated South African singer, actress, and storyteller Zolani Mahola has been announced as the Cape Town supporting act for eight-time nominee and two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter, touring South Africa in November on his three-city Love is King national concert tour.

Presented by Showtime Management and GRIZA Enterprises, the Love is King SA 2025 Tour begins at Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town on Wednesday, 12 November followed Durban’s International Convention Centre on Saturday, 15 November. The tour concludes with three Johannesburg concerts at Montecasino’s Teatro on Thursday, 20 November; Friday, 21 November and Saturday, 22 November.  

Mahola previously supported Porter at Kirstenbosch in 2023, giving audiences a taste of what can be expected when two generational vocalists share their talents on the same stage. She will be backed by The Feminine Force – Sky Dladla (percussion, indigenous instruments), Siyoli Waters (keyboards and vocals), Carla Williams (drums), Andiswa Ndwandwe (bass), Asiphe Ntyinkala and Aeryn (backing vocals). The band has been set up to provide space for women to gather, sing, and create positive change – part of Mahola’s advocacy for education, the environment and anti-GBV campaigns.

During 17 years of singing for Freshlyground, Mahola shared stages with icons including Stevie Wonder, BB King, Shakira, Hugh Masekela, and Johnny Clegg. She also performed, in October 2024, at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the 30-year celebration of South Africa’s democracy. And as part of her work as an ambassador for The Seachange Project (the team behind the Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, directed by Pippa Ehrlich), Mahola is currently working on a film, with Ehrlich, exploring her bond with nature. There is also another film, autobiographical in nature, and a new album in the works!

“I’m so happy to be supporting Gregory Porter again in the mother city of Cape Town. It will be wonderful to welcome him ‘home’ and share uplifting music from my upcoming sophomore solo album as well!” says Zolani Mahola. 

Gregory Porter, a New Yorker, is easily recognised by his signature cap and “deep booming baritone” voice. He is often likened to legends like Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway and Bill Withers for smooth, soulful sound, blending jazz, gospel, soul and blues. He enjoys acclaim across the world, achieving critical and commercial success everywhere from his native US to Europe, the UK and Africa. He’s becoming a relative regular in South Africa, after performing at the Joy of Jazz Festival in 2014 and 2015 and then visiting in 2023 for six sold-out solo concerts.

“South African music fans can’t get enough of Gregory Porter, whether it’s his voice, his songs or his presence” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management, “so it’s a pleasure to be staging these new shows on the Love is King tour, including his first show in Durban. And bringing Zolani Mahola into the mix for the Cape Town takes things up another level.”

Greg Maloka of co-promoter GRIZA Enterprises, underlines the impact Mahola will make: “If there was ever a voice that represents South Africa, Zolani is it. Her cut-across appeal makes her a unique artist with a bold story to tell.”

Porter calls his Love is King SA Tour “a continued celebration of the incredible people of this nation,” also recently posting on his social media, “South Africa, I'm so excited to be returning to your beautiful country this November!”

Don’t miss Gregory Porter live in South Africa this November for five concerts only. Book now at Showtime.co.za or Ticketmaster.co.za. Tickets purchased via unauthorised websites will not be honoured. Concerts begin at 20h00.