Three gifted South African brothers, lifted out of poverty through their sheer musical talent, and already stars in their own country, promise to become one of the most exciting new vocal trios to take the world stage. Their Bala Brothers concert for PBS, produced by Daniel Hart, was recorded in the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg and presents this multi-talented group accompanied by a chamber orchestra, five-piece band, and South Africa's famous Drakensburg Boys Choir. All three Bala Brothers received some of their earliest musical training and their love of performing as members of this very same choir. The Bala Brothers PBS concert presents a mix of South African-influenced music from Lion King favorites like "Circle of Life" and "He Lives in You" to Paul Simon's "Under African Skies." As a tribute to the late South African President Nelson Mandela, the Bala Brothers perform the Labi Siffre classic, "Something Inside So Strong" -- a moving moment in the program made all the more poignant by the presence of Winnie Mandela in the audience. The show closes with a roof-raising performance of "Pata Pata," the joyous dance song made famous by South Africa's "First Lady of Song," Miriam Makeba. The Bala Brothers' journey from the mean streets of the Kwa-Nobuhle township to a stadiumrocking performance at the 2013 Nelson Mandela Memorial Concert in Cape Town Stadium has seen each develop his own vocal style. Oldest brother Zwai emerged from early success with rap to become an all-round producer and arranger, from pop to classical. Loyiso is the rhythm and blues and gospel singer/songwriter and producer in the family, and youngest, Phelo, a newly-minted pop artist. Combined, these already seasoned voices transcend musical categories to produce an authentic and joyful sound in a wide range of repertoire, all grounded in their extraordinary African experience.
