An evening of soul-stirring melodies, mentorship, and artistic celebration marked the highly anticipated launch of The Seed, the debut EP by Jazz singer-songwriter Rorisang Sechele. Hosted at the South African State Theatre (SAST) on Wednesday, 5 February, the event served as a prelude to the official release of The Seed on Friday, 7 February 2025.
The night began with the SAST Incubator Programme Celebration, setting the stage for an inspiring showcase of emerging South African talent. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Rorisang unveiled The Seed, a deeply personal project that encapsulates her artistic evolution. The programme played a key role in Rorisang’s journey, providing her with mentorship, training, and production support to develop her artistry and navigate the industry.
“The Seed is the result of growth, transformation, and embracing the journey. I am incredibly excited to share this project, which has been shaped by the mentorship and support from the SAST Incubator Programme. Every track reflects a piece of me, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience it. This is just the beginning, and I am thrilled for what is to come,” said Rorisang Sechele.
The launch event featured a compelling panel discussion moderated by Princess Sechele. Among the esteemed panelists was Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, internationally renowned pianist and composer, who has been a guiding force in Rorisang’s artistic journey. He shared insights into her creative process and the significance of mentorship in shaping emerging artists. Also present was David April, a distinguished director, choreographer, and arts advocate, who emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent in the South African music industry.
The In Full Bloom trilogy is a collection of EPs, with The Seed as its first installment. Developed under the SAST Incubator Programme, the project showcases Rorisang’s unique fusion of Jazz, R&B, and Soul, reflecting her rich musical influences and personal experiences. Hailing from Pretoria, Rorisang Sechele is a versatile vocalist, songwriter, and performer. Her musical journey began in the Jacaranda Children’s Choir before she pursued classical training at Pro Arte Alphen Park. She later earned a Cum Laude degree in Jazz and Popular Music from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2020.
Rorisang’s talent has seen her perform alongside celebrated artists such as Lisette Spinnler, Nthabiseng Motsepe, and Zenzi Makeba-Lee. As a member of The Anchored Quartet, conducted by Ofentse Pitse, she has collaborated with industry heavyweights including Sun-EL Musician, Simmy, Msaki, and Ami Faku.
In 2021, she secured a coveted spot in the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band under the direction of Nduduzo Makhathini. More recently, she was a recipient of the Digital Mobility Fund 5, supported by SAMRO and the Norwegian Embassy, which enabled her to stage a sold-out show in the Jazz in Jozi series. Additionally, she was part of the 2023 Youth Expressions Festival at the South African State Theatre.
Here are five things to expect from the offering, as seen and heard first, at the EP launch event:
1. An ode to the life of a flower
The Seed, the first part of a trilogy project In Full Bloom, offers a sonic interpretation of the life of a flower, and is rooted in the Japanese idiom of oubaitori, which suggests that, like every individual’s unique path, every flower blooms at its own time. The tracklist reflects this analogy with songs like Peu featuring Maz Dlamini, which means seed in Setswana, poetically foretelling a deeply personal journey through seasons of doubt and uncertainty, particularly during the transition into purpose.
2. A fusion of genres
The tracklist soundscapes are a fusion of joyful harmonies, blending the richness of Jazz, RnB, Soul/Neosoul, and Gospel. Each composition reflects her ability to merge these genres into a unique, emotive experience, where the smooth rhythms of RnB and Soul intertwine with the improvisational nature of Jazz, and the depth of Gospel.
3. A call to plant a seed
Taken both figuratively and literally, the project encourages listeners to plant a seed. It is a call to surrender to gentleness towards oneself as narrated through a track on the EP titled Be Kind, and encourages listeners not to succumb to the pressures of society. Rorisang is also set to kick off a collaborative Plant a Seed campaign to encourage others to plant a seed as an ode to learning that growth is non-linear and personal.
4. A love letter to the Golden Humans – a South African city tour
As a love letter to the Golden Humans – the official name for Rorisang’s fanbase – and in an effort to continue to spread The Seed, Rorisang will embark on a South African city tour, proudly sponsored by live music support program, Concerts SA. The first stop will be Chiesa Di Pazzp Lupi, Johannesburg on 28 February 2025. Tickets are now on sale for R180 on Quicket and can be purchased here.
5. Bonus: A personal story through Tsoga
The themes of hope, individualism, freedom, peace, and liberation, alongside countering the ‘late bloomer narrative’ and honoring Rorisang’s personal story and lived experiences, are powerfully echoed in the lyrics and music video for her standalone single Tsoga. The song captures the journey of self-doubt, resilience, and healing, speaking to the profound process of mending one’s inner child and navigating the unique, transformative path of coming of age.
With the release of The Seed, Rorisang Sechele embarks on a transformative musical journey, cementing her place as a formidable voice in South African Jazz. This is just the beginning of In Full Bloom, and audiences can anticipate an enthralling evolution of sound and storytelling in the volumes to come.
For more information on The Seed and upcoming performances, follow Rorisang Sechele at @rorisangsechele on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or visit rorisangsechelemusic.
Image(s) Credits: Mulalo Mbooi and Nqaba Luna Hadebe
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