“Woza” is Zulu for “come!” or “come on!”, a warm and inviting call to step into a life-affirming groove. This spirit, finding joy and togetherness in spite of life’s challenges, runs through the band’s entire sound. At the heart of this newly formed septet is jazz and soul vocalist Lady Lynette, although Woza! offers an even balance of instrumental pieces and songs. Their repertoire draws mainly on South African classics, with touches of Latin and the occasional ballad. Lady Lynette sings in Xhosa, Zulu and English, taking inspiration from legends such as Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela.
Lynette Koyana Bjerstedt began her career as a jazz singer in Swaziland and has since travelled across a wide musical landscape, touring Japan as a soul and pop artist and performing as a backing vocalist for Tom Jones. With Woza! she reconnects with her musical roots and brings the journey full circle.
The rhythm section is the spark that sets Woza alight. The trio composed of Mats Larsson on piano, Paul Nilsson on bass and Jerker Heijkenskjöld on drums have played together for many years and are united by their shared love of South African music. The horn section, with Berndt Sjögren on saxophone and flute, Fredrik Håkansson on trumpet and Göran Abelli on trombone, adds depth and drive through powerful ensemble work and heartfelt solos. Woza!
On stage:
Lady Lynette, vocals
Mats Larsson, piano
Paul Nilsson, bass
Jerker Heijkenskjöld, drums
Berndt Sjögren, saxophone and flute
Fredrik Håkansson, trumpet
Göran Abelli, trombone
