Yolanda Yawa

Location: Based in Cape Town

Biography

With her exquisite voice, captivating stage presence, and extensive repertoire, Yolanda Yawa is one of Cape Town and South Africa's sought after performers and ambassadors, as well as an accomplished fashion designer and business entrepreneur.

This Multi-talented artist hails from Gugulethu in Cape Town, and became known as the dynamic lead singer from Coda in 2005. With Yolanda as lead-singer, Coda was nominated, along with 4 other bands, for a Top Billing/Momentum Award in 2007, and performed at many prestigious events both locally and abroad. Having gone solo in 2009, Yolanda launched her solo debut album CrossOva in March 2011 - a delightful collection of original material with a twist of Afro-contemporary jazz, afro-pop with a touch of reggae and Latin - which has garnered significant interest locally and abroad.

Other awards and accolades include the Peace Prize for the Composition of a Peace Song for the Peace Vision '96, 2nd Prize for the Best Dressed Couple @ J&B Met '99, 2nd Prize winner for the Sanlam Money Game Show '02 and Best designer for the Fashion Police Fashion Show'09.

Yolanda has shared stages with the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi, Jimmy Dludlu, Freshlyground, Bongo Muffin, Kwela Tebza, Malaika and many more top SA and international artists. She revels in her ability to reach thousands with her voice, words and sense of worth as an African woman.

Services

Live Musical Performance:
Yolanda performs with backtrack, or with a live 5-piece Afro-Jazz Band
Motivational Speaker:
As an accomplished brand and persornality, Y'awa has been invited as a Motivational speaker and Keynote speaker by companies like PPCEB, Common Purpose, Success in Heels to community arts organisations and schools. Her inspiring, passionate and warm personality has touched many with her positive attitude towards life and living positively with HIV. Y'awa discovered 14 years ago she was diagnosed HIV positive and for the first time, she knew she had a purpose in life bigger than what she could imagine. Her message is clear: "Being HIV positive made me realize how special I am and how I can use my strengths and talents to live positively. Creative beading helped me in the lowest points of my life and l now that I'm living my dreams as a Solo Artist. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT. We only realize what we had when we lose it, but for me I NEVER realized what I was missing, which was PURPOSE, until I was diagnosed!"
MC & Dancer:
Y'awa is also known for her trade mark "African Contemporary dance stances" that are so therapeutic and offers a breath of fresh air to those around her. Her bubbly and yet calm personality is sought to engage even the smallest child. Y’awa is determined to inspire through her life experience and her journey as a strong African woman who discovered her voice from a very tender age. She’s also know for facilitating dance classes to an international market and has also been invited as the Mistress of Ceremeonies(MC) for prestigious events with organizations like TB/HIV Care.

International Noteworthy Performances

On top of the numerous international opportunities Yolanda has enjoyed together with acts like Women Unite, Coda and Tucan Tucan, international highlights as a soloist include:

Being invitated to perform at Popkomm Music Exhibition in Berlin during September 2011
Attending the SXSW 2012 Music Exhibition in Austin, Texas to create an alliance of networks and contacts that will in turn invest in South African sought after and up and coming artists.
Being invited to sing the SA and Australian national anthems next to Justin Burgh at the rugby match between SA and Australia June 16 2006.

Client Feedback

The client absolutely LOVED Yolanda. Thank you!!
Danelle Prins, Sorrento Events

Photo Gallery

Click on the thumbnails above to view large images

Sound Clips

Brand New Day S'thandwa Sam Forgiveness Ain't No Sunshine

Downloads

BUDGET INDICATOR

Below budget range is merely a guide; you will receive an exact quote based on your unique event details upon enquiring

Budget Range for Yolanda Yawa is

R12000 - R30000

BOOKING ENQUIRY

Submit a booking enquiry directly with Yolanda Yawa, and the Artist or their manager / representative will be in touch with you soon!

Should you be unsure about which acts to enquire with, you can choose to SEND GIGSTER YOUR EVENT DETAILS and we will forward your enquiry to up to 5 suitable acts.