Born in Port Elizabeth from a musical family Barlo Luzipo’s grandparents played a significant role especially his Grandfather Sydney Qwesha a legendary composer who has 150 songs to his credit. Barlo’s Grandmother was always playing the organ. It was when Lubabalo was in primary school at the age 8 years old when he started playing the piano earning him a bursary at the same school. He continued his classical piano training right through High School. He then went on to study Music Technology at Bilson Music in Cape Town.
Whilst still a student one of his tutors tasked him to compose a song for Parliament something with a touch of rainbow nation and African feel. He composed and completed the song right there and then and that is how ‘Let’s Deepen The Debate’ was born! Lubabalo has performed in a number of overseas countries namely Germany and Austria. His career highlights include performing at the opening of Parliament in Cape Town for 2 years. In 2004 his former band “Echoes Of Africa” entered a jazz competition conducted by NEMMA beating more than 20 Bands that took part in the competition. Lubabalo also counts singing a duet with Simphiwe Dana as one of highlights. Barlo is an old soul and clearly heard in his music which is deeply rooted in Jazz and Classical music with tickles of soul and RnB.
His musical influences are Winston Mankunku, Victor Ntoni, Gloria Bossman, Zim Ngqawana and Tsepo Tsula. In 2014 Lubabalo Luzipho was selected to be Musical Director twice for the Nelson Mandela Bay Concert Series produced by the PE Opera House for Vusi Nova and Thandokazi. He recently took his soul jazz production ‘Barlo & The Ministers’ to the National Arts Festival where he opened the Dakawa Jazz series for 2017 amongst which were also recognised artists such as Ludwe Gogwana and Tete Mbambisa to name a few .
For his upcoming Concert Series Barlo will be singing more than playing the piano. He will have the talented young Mthokozisi Mabuze and Qaqambile ‘Que’ playing the piano the iconic Lawrence Matshiza on Guitar; Saki Nompozolo; Grant Allison and on Bass Backing vocals will be Siyasanga Koyo and Loyiso Mali. Barlo will be paying homage to the late greats who along with his grandfather Sydney Qwesha a legendary composer, his former tutors and all those who have shaped him musically during his stellar show which will be taking place at the PE Opera House Main Stage on Saturday 18 November.
Barlo will perform on 18 November 2017 from 19:00 on The Opera House, Main Stage. Entrance is R150.00 an Individual or R200.00 a Couple.
Alan Straton
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