Malanga eyes global stage with genre-defying Afro-jazz sound
From Daveyton’s stages to national jazz festivals, Surprise Malanga is carving out a bold musical path with her unique blend of Afro-jazz, soul, and Afro-pop - and she’s ready to take it to the world.
From intimate performances at local venues to gracing prestigious stages like the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, singer-songwriter Surprise Malanga’s journey is marked by passion, authenticity, and a distinct sonic identity.
The Afro-jazz queen from Daveyton has always been surrounded by music, but her path to realising her artistic destiny was anything but conventional.
Inspired by artists such as the late Daveyton jazz legend and music educator Johnny Mekoa, Malanga immersed herself in melodies from an early age. However, it wasn’t until she stepped into Mekoa’s class at the Music Academy of Gauteng in 2015 that she began to realise her full potential.
“My journey began when I enrolled at the Gauteng Music Academy in Cloverdene under the leadership of Johnny Mekoa. In my first year, I started performing at events like the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Carnival City, and many others,” she said.
Mekoa’s teachings became a guiding light for the singer, and his words of wisdom continue to resonate with her years after he first whispered them into her ears.
“He was a strict person. He valued education more than anything. He taught me that whatever I want to do in life, I must study for it.
“He also emphasised the importance of respecting myself, taking my artistry seriously, and treating music as a business. He gave me the confidence to make music a career.”
After graduating, the singer became jazz maestro Selaelo Selota’s backing vocalist after being introduced to the Thrrr…Phaa singer at the memorial service of legendary jazz singer Thandi Klassen, in 2017.
“Selaelo took over where Johnny Mekoa left off. He introduced me to big-stage jazz. I still work with him today.”
Known for her powerful voice, Malanga left the audience breathless during her performance at the recent #EkurhuleniArtsShowcase held at Butcher 2.0 in Daveyton.
She delivered a set that exuded an effortlessly pure yet soulful tone, laced with natural jazzy textures and an irresistible vibe. Her expansive vocal range and dynamic delivery demonstrated her technical prowess, while her command of the stage reflected the confidence she has in her craft.
Reflecting on her artistry, she told the Benoni City Times that she doesn’t define herself strictly as a jazz artist but rather as a versatile creator.
“I don’t like to box myself. I was introduced to jazz, and I studied it. But I’m a versatile singer. I’m an artist. I create music. Whatever comes to mind, and I feel it is musical, I create it.”
While she currently enjoys a loyal fanbase for her EP Matimba, Malanga’s aspirations extend far beyond SA. She hopes to make a lasting impact with her unique fusion of jazz, Afro-pop, and soul nationally and internationally.
“I’m still working on my library. My fans can expect more music from me. I want to go on tours, not only in SA but across our borders as well,” she said.
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