South African musician and actor Lorraine Klaasen, who is based in Canada, still wants to create more musical memories and make history internationally.
As the world marked International Women’s Day on Monday, Klaasen – the daughter of the late African jazz musician Thandi Klaasen – remembered all women who shaped her life and music career. She says women like the late Miriam Makeba, Dorothy Masuka and Dolly Rathebe as well as her mother, played a huge role in the SA music industry.
“When I was growing up there were a lot of powerful women around me. I want to remember them for contributing to the person that I am today. As we marked this day, I remember the role they played in the industry and in my life. My mother, who I still cry when I talk about, is one person who believed in my talent. I know she would have been proud of my achievements,” she says.
Despite the lockdown around the world that has affected everyone, Klaasen has been making strides in her career. The classical township singer was awarded a Forest City London Music Award (FCLM) last year at the virtual event, but only celebrated her achievement this year.
The virtual performance on February 13 was hosted by Embassy Cultural House, a community-driven gallery that hosts interdisciplinary programmes. The second event took place on February 20, celebrating her performance in Montreal, Canada, her base for many years.
Speaking to Sowetan from Montreal, Klaasen says she is grateful to be recognised with the FCLM gong as one of the most prominent music stars in London under the category of world music.
“The award is special to me. When I received this award everyone just wanted to say something about me. It made me realise how much people appreciate what I am doing. I am so much looking forward to creating even more musical memories here in London. It is a wonderful honour," Klaasen says.
"I’m grateful that they recognised my hard work even if I have to say so myself I have done well representing SA music. A lot of people have been asking questions like ‘What are you doing in London? What’s happening in London?'… I get to reintroduce myself to the London community.”
Klaasen, who turns 64 in May, has dedicated her career to uniting people of all races through music and art. Since emigrating to Canada about four decades ago, Klaasen has recorded and performed around the world. Her 2013 album Tribute to Miriam Makeba earned her a Juno Award. Junos are popular Canadian music awards.
Her latest collaboration is a song called Lesedi (light) that she sings in four different languages – Swahili, seSotho, isiZulu and Chichewa. It is part of a new project called Seven Chapters of Mystery by Ngoma Zethu, a Pan African Cultural Revolution featuring seven artists from Africa.
Jamelie Hassan, co-founder of the Embassy Cultural House, says about Klaasen: “I had the privilege to celebrate you and host a sold-out Zoom event for the 2020 Forest City London Music Award in the category of World Music. We have come to know you personally and enjoy your creative music and talent.
"We recognise you as a strong advocate and powerful voice for women across the globe. We are honoured to have you join our Embassy Cultural House advisory circle. We look forward to continuing our work with you and sharing your performances here in Canada and beyond. Your energy and vitality is an example to us all.”
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