Bongeziwe Mabandla - 17 April 2026 at LantarenVenster, Rotterdam

South African singer-songwriter Bongeziwe Mabandla is known for his elastic voice, gliding effortlessly from deep, earthy tones to a weightless falsetto. From his home base in Johannesburg he’s crafted a signature sound: a blend of afro-folk, Xhosa soul and electronic folk, sung mainly in Xhosa, one of the official languages of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

At home, Mabandla has been nominated for the prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMA), and his video for Bawo Bam received a nomination at the Capital City Black Film Awards. Internationally he broke through with his album AmaXesha (2024) named “Global Album of the Month” by The Guardian and a COLORS session (2023) that travelled far beyond the continent.

On 17 April 2026, Bongeziwe Mabandla brings his world to LantarenVenster, Rotterdam, in collaboration with BIRD Rotterdam. Expect an energetic yet atmospheric live show full of melancholic soundscapes, rhythmic guitar lines, subtle synth-driven textures and his unmistakable, arresting voice.

A must-see for fans of modern African music, afro-folk, soul, global and alternative sounds, live in Rotterdam.

This concert is mainly standing, with a limited number of balcony seats available (seated tickets only via LantarenVenster).