New York, NY (Top40 Charts) February 11th, 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of
Nelson Mandela being freed from prison. In celebration of this momentous occasion, South Africa's the Bala Brothers are sharing their powerful rendition of the anti-apartheid anthem
"(Something Inside) So Strong" from their forthcoming self-titled release due on March 3 via Warner Classics.
"This next song is dedicated to prisoner #46664, someone who believed in something so strongly that he dedicated 27 years of his freedom to a single idea, that all men are created equal, Dr.
Nelson Mandela, this one is for you," said Zwai Bala of the Bala Brothers while introducing "(Something Inside) So Strong" to a packed Johannesburg audience including Winnie Mandela. This performance is the high point of the Bala's show, as documented in the forthcoming PBS Special, set to air nationally later this month.
The Bala Brothers - Loyiso, Zwai and Phelo - grew up with the harsh reality that often, all people are not treated equal. They were born in the Kwa-Nobuhle township under the rule of apartheid. In 1988, eldest brother Zwai became the first black member to join the then-segregated Drakensberg Boys' Choir at the age of 12. Overcoming the resistance of many of the white children and their parents, he persevered; later, the choir also welcomed his brothers, Loyiso and Phelo. Ultimately the three gained acceptance through their strength of character and singing talents, and their careers grew to the point where the Bala Brothers thrilled an audience of 55,000 headlining a spectacular concert tribute to
Nelson Mandela in December 2013.
"The Bala Brothers are a true representation of the values that our Founder,
Nelson R. Mandela, stood for. They are men of integrity who have always been willing to selflessly serve the causes of our charity over the years, and are great ambassadors for their country, South Africa. We have always been proud to be associated with this immensely talented family," says Kathi Scott, Executive
Director of the
Nelson Mandela Children's Fund UK.
Recently, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, "The Bala Brothers are part of the good South African story. They have made it against great odds. Boy, can they sing! Wow!"
In honor of the anniversary, the Brothers also created a "Freedom Playlist" of songs related to Mandela and the anniversary - including Hugh Masakela, Bob Marley, Johnny Clegg,
Peter Gabriel and other artists - and posted it on their Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMhXpLSRbY48z9gl5fOoIQA5w6YhRuQ51
Bala Brothers will be released on CD and for download on March 3, 2015, with DVD and Blu-Ray following on March 24. The program will be part of a national PBS special beginning on February 28.
The Bala Brothers will tour the U.S. in May 2015.
Watch the EPK Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1yu9aH-8gc
Tracklisting:
1. Circle of Life (Elton John, Tim Rice)
2. Weeping (Dan Heymann)
3. Going Home (traditional, arr. Michael Whalen)
4. He Lives In You (Lebohang Morake, Jay Rifkin, Mark Mancina)
5. Under African Skies (Paul Simon)
6. Masibuyelane (Loyiso & Zwai Bala)
7. Ndize (Mavo Solomon, Zwai Bala)
8. Something Inside So Strong (Labi Siffre)
9. The Crossing (Johnny Clegg)
10. Girl Without A Name (Loyiso Bala)
11. And So It Goes (Billy Joel)
12. Pata Pata (Jerry Ragovoy, Miriam Makeba)
13. Meguru (traditional, arr. Michael Whalen)
Amazon Pre-Order:
CD: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S1QQ8TW
DVD/Blu-ray: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S2T3U1M
iTunes Pre-Order:
MP3: https://geni.us/3xDF
The Bala Brothers:
www.BalaBrothers.com
www.facebook.com/BalaBrothersMusic
www.twitter.com/BalaBrothers
