On 26 September 2020, Kwaai Diva extraordinaire Umlilo performed live at Blooming Sounds from Johannesburg, which took place at Constitutional Hill’s Women’s Prison. This inter-galactic performance saw Umlilo merge avant-garde gender-bending fashion, dazzling visuals, dance and music set in a futuristic Johannesburg.
Joined by international dance sensations Llewellyn “Lulubelle” Mnguni, Kyle Holland, and the amazing Roberto “Lotion the Star”, Umlilo performs an array of high energy, pulsating electronic songs. The music sets the tone for a dark electronica show with elements of soul, punk, hip-hop, kwaito, gqom with queer pop sensibilities. Umlilo captures the spirit of their generation with political musings, queer activism and dance-floor bangers.
Watch the trailer for ‘Umlilo live at Blooming Sounds from Joburg’
“With this year being at a standstill because of Covid19, I wanted to create something inspiring, different, relevant, risky which also showcases my musical range and growth as an artist. I haven’t been able to be on stage many times this year and wanted to do a show that leaves an indelible mark on my fans and the SA music community at large,” says Umlilo.
The 20-minute extravaganza sees Umlilo perform songs from his acclaimed EP’s “Shades of Kwaai” and “Aluta”, which are both available to stream on Spotify.
This post-apocalyptic performance was brought to you by Bassline Live, Total, République Française, Institut Français, Kaya FM, SkyRoom Live & Sakifo Festival. Recorded at Constitutional Hill, Women’s Prison in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Watch the full show of ‘Umlilo live at Blooming Sounds from Joburg’
