Known for her international performance of Afro-soul single Squeeze Me, Asanda Mqiki from Port Elizabeth will tour Cape Town next week while crowdfunding for her debut album.
Her crowdfunding campaign has been launched on Thundafund, and aims to raise R130 000 for the production of her album to be released next year.
Mqiki is an award-winning vocalist and composer who recently headlined the Cape Town Fringe Festival with Vicky Sampson, Jimmy Nevis and Maya Spector.
She has performed at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the Orbit in Johannesburg, and shared the slate with Sibongile Khumalo, Freshlyground, Khaya Mahlangu, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Putuma Tiso & Berita.
Mqiki has announced that from November 30 to December 3 she will perform with her quartet - featuring Thoba Goba on drums, Grant Allison on bass and Mthokozisi Mabuza - at Harringtons Cocktail Lounge in the city, followed by a performance at the Kaleidoscope Café in Claremont.
She plans to perform at the Native Yards at Kwa Sec in Gugulethu, and a final performance at SlowLife, Olympia Bakery, in Kalk Bay.
Before embarking on her solo career in 2013, Mqiki performed regularly with platinum-selling a cappella group The Soil.
She said fans from across the country have asked when she would release her first album.
But due to the costs for the production, she has had to delay its release and organise her crowdfunding campaign.
Mqiki said: “The album is dedicated to many people, especially those that are young
and those that have been asking me when I will be releasing it.
“The band and the production is working hard and we are seeking help from everyone to make this become a reality. A dream come true.
“I was raised in Walmer Park (in Port Elizabeth) and grew up in New Brighton. Music has been in our system from a very young age.
"My father would play jazz music every day, slowly making me fall in love with music. I have so many people to thank," she added.
"When we believe in our craft we can make it become a reality.”