Lorraine Klaasen - June 26, 2014. Upstairs Cabaret. TD Victoria International Jazzfest. She is the daughter of legendary South African jazz singer Thandie Klaasen and, through her, was exposed to musical giants such as Miriam Makeba and Dolly Rathebe. Lorraine was musically precocious and launched her career early, eventually performing throughout Europe before ending up in Montreal. Although her performances still reflect the influence of the classic “township music” indigenous to South Africa, Lorraine has evolved into a sophisticated icon of worldbeat and has incorporated elements of Haitian, French African, and Caribbean music into her captivating sound. Her first recording was 2000’s African Connexion. More recently she released Africa Calling in 2008, then scored her greatest recording triumph in 2012 with the release of A Tribute to Miriam Makeba. This heartfelt salute to the mentor she had known from her childhood won the 2013 Juno Award for “World Music Album of the Year”. Celebrated for her electrifying live performances, she leaves audiences begging for more. Her band includes Assane Seck guitar, Moïse Yawo Matey congas, Sébastian André Whiteman bass and Noel Mpiaza Balu drums.
