In an event that will undoubtedly resonate for years to come, Msaki, the celebrated South African singer-songwriter, graced the SunBet Arena last night with her Camagu in Symphony concert. This historic performance not only celebrated her remarkable decade-long career but also crowned her as the first female artist in South Africa to headline a concert of this scale with a full orchestra.

The evening was a captivating tapestry of music, emotion, and storytelling. From the first note, Msaki transported the audience through her rich musical journey, seamlessly blending the orchestral grandeur with the vibrant essence of South African music. Fans filled the arena with their voices, singing along to every song, and were visibly moved by the profound energy of the performance. The atmosphere oscillated between reflective, tear-jerking moments and electrifying beats that had attendees dancing in the aisles. Audience members described the concert as a “spiritual experience,” with one fan remarking, “Witnessing Msaki make history tonight was beyond words. This night will live in my heart forever.”

The concert featured orchestral renditions of Msaki’s iconic hits, spanning her debut EP Nal’Ithemba, the critically acclaimed album Zaneliza, and her genre-defying collaborations in folk, electronic dance, amapiano, and more. Sharing the stage with Msaki were some of South Africa’s finest artists, including Sun-El Musician, Black Motion, TRESOR, Simmy, and ANATII. Each artist added their unique flair to the symphonic arrangements, creating a rich and diverse musical tapestry. The term ‘Camagu’, an isiXhosa expression of gratitude, encapsulated the evening’s spirit. In her heartfelt address to the audience, Msaki expressed profound thanks to her fans and collaborators: “This night is about saying ‘Camagu’ – thank you. To those who have supported me, stood by me, and allowed me to grow into the artist I am today.”

The concert was brought to life through partnerships with Standard Bank, Windhoek, SAMPRA, SABC, Arena Holdings, Nandos Michael Kelly, VOLVO, Karl Lagerfeld, and was masterfully produced by Bassline and ALTBLK. Camagu in Symphony was more than just a concert; it was a cultural milestone celebrating the unifying power of music and Msaki’s unparalleled artistry. For those who missed this once-in-a-lifetime event, the sentiment was unanimous: it was an unforgettable experience that redefined the boundaries of South African music.

Connect with Msaki:
Facebook: @msakiza/@camaguinsymphony
Instagram: @msaki_za/@camagu_symphony