LibraryJams: Zoë Modiga

Thinking about Zoë Modiga’s performance with a few days of rest, I still get goosebumps. Rooted in African spirituality and Zulu folklore, Modiga’s graced with the stage presence of the greatest performers out there - she captivated everyone in the room with her vocal abilities, which allow her to seamlessly switch between high and low notes. Her band, comprising of Banda Banda (Bass), Curt Petrus (Keys), Irie Bolaji (Drums) and Sthembiso Bhengu (Trumpet), produces a top class, well-tuned sound that was perfectly adjusted to the occasion. Bassist Banda Banda’s shirt by local fashion label “UrbanZulu” was also a fitting choice, as the music made me think of Busi Mhlongo’s iconic album numerous times. But after all, Zoe Modiga has carved her own sound from the many influences surrounding her - a sound that left us in the audience in pure awe. Some might have even shed tears of joy! As she explains with her song 'Isegazini' - we don’t need to look on the outside for whatever it is we are looking for, as it is all within us.
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As the Goethe-Institut, we always strive for new ways to support local arts and culture.
Our musical series LibraryJams aims to create performing and income-generating opportunities for artists in a safe environment - while simultaneously producing fresh digital content. Three artists perform short concerts in front of a small, select audience in our library, while their performances are recorded and then later released in a video series. Think Tiny Desk Concerts, but in a Joburg library!
The first event happened on Friday, 20 November with exclusive, intimate performances by The Charles Géne Suite, Zoë Modiga and ShaSha.
Make sure to subscribe to our channel for the upcoming episodes of LibraryJams!
LibraryJams is a project by the Goethe-Institut South Africa, in partnership with PowerFM 98.7.

[@spontaneouscorner464]

Who's still here in 2024?❤

[@comfortkabelo7298]

Im still here even in 2024. I love this lady❤❤

[@siphesihlemahlangu9203]

Umdali is a reminder to the black child to never limit or forget about their dreams. Your dreams are valid. Greatness is in your path black child. Once you lose your hopes for greater, that's when life truly becomes unbearable. Her vocals are a glass of water with ice and lemon on a hot summer day. Refreshing. Necessary. Restoring.

[@mmathapelomatona3122]

Zoe is underrated, wish more people could listen... 🤍🤍🤍

[@SisandaMyataza]

Most Epic South African vocalists are unfortunately. We should pay more attention to quality ,xx

[@lebogangmokotla5075]

1st time listening, I am in love. It's like the more artists I know the more I still don't know 😂😂😂, she is amazing. I'll spread her to those who are receptive to receive her in my small circle. I might even find that there are those who already knew her.

[@sinobomityhoba4523]

Few people in SA listen to soulful music and pay attention to vocals...she's superb and unfortunately she's in SA .

[@madirakoketjo485]

duuuuuude

[@edwardsrubyg]

We are the judges we don't have to wait for some "invisible judges" to determine Zoe's powerful voice which vibrates GODLY words of wisdom inspiration and encouragement 💓 think the opposite of what is... I hope it helps.

[@samketi2063]

This is just rare! the first song , I resonate with in a million ways. I'm broke now, single, but one day I'll play these songs in my car, early mornings drives... I'll find life

[@snazomatiwane1934]

Everything eventually comes full circle. 💫

[@tsoseletsoseliane8692]

Tell me it’s all coming together for you 😃

[@khithazantsi_7]

Yes you will Samketi, may God bless you sweetheart. Oh this touched me, I don’t want to lie🥹❤️

[@tandienkosi6130]

God, may I please experience this queen performing live🙏😊This is sooo amazing, I Listen to it every morning

[@a__haven7154]

"a love letter to black bodies" ❤️

[@sabakes]

Isegazini is my song 😍😍😍😍😍

[@ndumisosibisi7136]

Ahh man... Every time i listen to it it gets me 😍😍

[@givenxolani1517]

Eish bro this song, you can say that again 🙌

[@ontiretsephetlhu8784]

This album was released at the most perfect time, during hard lockdown. Zoe's music was a necessary voice at the time and continues to be, particularly to us black bodies, who continue to be stifled the harsh realities of the anti-black world we live in. The songs in this album, Inganekwane are indeed a love letter to us black bodies, to say despite all the ills of this world, we too deserve the dignity to live our lives as we please hence 'lento isegazini' - it is within us. I now and again revisit this performance just to remind myself of the grace that Zoe embodies.

[@tueloxmokgothu122]

🎉 well said baby. ❤

[@khithazantsi_7]

Yess🥺❤️, you’re gonna make me cry mntase

[@khithazantsi_7]

“Bayasdinga basicelile “ will forever break my heart 😞💔

[@lehlohonolondhlovu5568]

The late mam Busi Mhlongo would be so PROUD 🔥👌🏿

[@mrhlongwa]

Zoe is truly a gem. She manages to evoke so many emotions through her music

[@silindilentuli2019]

We don't deserve Zoe and her band. The music is surreal to say the least

[@choosekindness1400]

Cannot believe I'm seeing this two years later 😭great body of work ❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@ChayiNkuna-bo8tv]

😭I’m seeing it 3 yrs later

[@smoothsheep]

Quite possibly one of the best ever storytelling Jazz singers I've ever come across. I don't even understand the language but I am moved beyond her words.

[@theoasis2234]

Hawema Kodwa Nkosi!!! Ngaze bgamthanda uZoe…I legit just stumbled on this video and I’m in love with Isegazini❤❤ ❤️

[@user-uk7lv1fw7g]

This feels like we’re here to fulfil the dreams of our ancestral were instilled unto them by our creator nd yet our own wrongfully doings makes it difficult to achieve this🙏🏼💜

[@khithazantsi_7]

Ewe❤❤❤

[@viviankatisa1005]

😭😭😭😭😭Oohhhh Nkosiyam I can't stop loving her more and more!!!! Her VOICE 😍😍 Zoë, you are God sent🙏

[@nubiafrica4096]

you have to get the muffinz in the building....

[@siduduzo]

“Sanibonani - Guten Tag” ❤️

[@raymondmahlatsi1239]

Officially Zoe Modiga is the Queen of native rhythms... Original, African. Black excellence. I would have loved to hear Impilo

[@Lanimohale]

We truly are blessed as a generation to have Zoë 👏🏾 😭 ngaske this Panasonic iphele so I see her live 😭 pls!

[@netiramatlama5467]

cima cima panasonic hahahaha mayiphele I also can't wait to see her live

[@nelisiweyengwa9868]

Wow, why am I only discovering Zoe only now!!!? Astonishing!!!

[@irvh_s]

Yhoooo ha.a lo sisi ne band yakhe, angeke!!!😭😭😭I'm lost for words 😭🙌

[@nomagugundlovu4855]

Zoe beautiful Zoe. You are a beautiful blessing, a power, a spiritual experience, a talent. I thank God for your light. It's so necessary to have in this world. 😍❤️💜💙

[@netiramatlama5467]

Zoe Modiga all day everyday. This band is so amazing. The best fitting band in our lifetime. Their synergy is amazing Haike abantu will send me wailing any day🖤🖤🖤👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@GoetheInstitutAfrica]

Abantu is also one of our favorite songs!

[@internetathi]

She is a soul and a half, an incredible musician of our time. Imvumi yelixesha!

[@lucecillecengeni6722]

Type of artist we need in society 😍😍😍😘isegazini ✨🔥

[@ablacksquare]

I have listened to this performance at least 4 times now. Thank you so much for the gift that is Zoë Modiga and the band.

[@GoetheInstitutAfrica]

We love to hear it!

[@thycolourfulshadow4998]

What!!!?!???🙆😭😭😭😭 This can't be real 🥺👑❤️

[@dudubabyyy]

Just discovered Zoe❤️how am I only hearing her nowwwwww😭😭😭😭

[@karabomalapela]

Isegazini 🔥👌🏿

[@mathabomentoor4331]

That song solely communicates with the the soul.

[@dudubabyyy]

Straight to the soul 😭🥺

[@realexclusive]

Zoe is amazing and I cant wait to watch her perform live on the 17th of Feb 2024 at the Star Theatre.

[@ChayiNkuna-bo8tv]

Seeing this one the 25th😭😂😂😂damn I missed it again

[@ChayiNkuna-bo8tv]

Seeing this one the 25th😭😂😂😂damn I missed it again

[@ailtonmavaieie5431]

Wow, just wow... I bow down. This is SirAilton (all the way from Mozambique)

[@sadvato3962]

I don’t understand the language but sis left no crumbs on that stage!!!

[@cebosibisi9786]

Siyabonga kahulu Zoë siyindlu emnyama. Kwande njalo!

[@sabelomqadi5857]

This is spiritual! Abantu… ow the ancestors were chanting 😢🙌🏽

[@andilemakhubo282]

Isegazini. Breathtaking 😭😭😭

[@nuckieplus]

Podcast and chill brought me here, dankie mama, siyabonga angithi bangani!

[@khwezidyantyi4039]

This is the best live performance I've ever seen. Intsh' inenkani ❤

[@fikiles.dhladhla2441]

A power house..Love everything about you..vocal prowress you are!and!You band is a dream..well done !!

[@dr.kennethduma8919]

I love you Zoe. Goosebumps all over me. Sweet, perfect and done just immaculate. You are my Angel. Love it or lump it. This is done and dusted. Great human being.

[@tholoanamoeketsi1886]

Here she God's gift to the world ZOE ❤️❤️❤️.....so beautiful.....Love this

[@sabakes]

Zoe Modiga is everything. She is is just amazing. Love you

[@thembifaithmthembi5191]

AS I LISTSEN TO THIS IM THINKING SA IS JUST NOT READY FOR THE LIKES OF GOETHE...AND OH, MY FAV SABELO MTHEMBU....WHY DONT I EVER HEAR YOUR MUSIC ON THE RADIO? IT IS BEYOND ME HOW I ASK MY PEERS OF YOU AND NON SEEMS TO BE IN THE KNOW. YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!

[@VhoTurnDoor]

So sweet coming from you. Still can't get over your ''Songs of Brotherhood.''

[@siyolomakasi7794]

😭😭😭 why do i wanna cry Msaki has to come here i dont care if her album come out in 2016 and she hasnt dropped

[@moja1190]

A gift for our times, bless Zoë!

[@nkululekomathela2301]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nolwazinkosi8711]

I've singlehandedly watched this over 15 times, this makes my heart so happy. 🥰☺ Can't wait to see you on Saturday.

[@Deepholoba]

Beautiful. 💯 Thandi Ntuli should be next please.

[@vusiphelembe1275]

Wow! i am sold.

[@nhlanhlamsweli5055]

You just made me miss home 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍😍😍I honestly miss South Africa

[@orisononline4388]

🤯🤯🤯🤯 Goose bumb city!

[@morongwesekopo2623]

Two words.. Captivating and medicinal ❤ Exactly how I take my music

[@lazolajavu8554]

For the past weeks, this session is my like my morning coffee. I can't do anything until I listen to it. 😇 Thank you Zoe for such an amazing performance.

[@thulisilekwanele4913]

😭😭😭Zoë Modiga thank you .

[@MODIRWA]

One day I must perform here😭✨🔥🥺💕 Zoë made this such a magical space...I think this is a beautiful idea...whoever created

[@lelowhatsgood]

this is just EXCELLENT 😭 thank you for always sharing your art with us, Zoë.

[@Lekutla]

I watch this performance daily since i found this last year in April..never grt tired ..its the message in the songs.

[@Nicole-ch1qe]

Iconic Never sleeping on Zoe again 🙆🏾‍♀️🙆🏾‍♀️🙆🏾‍♀️

[@VhoTurnDoor]

4:09 - 4:14 ("THAT "ezabaphambili" was Godly!).

[@briandegoede4483]

Zoë, what can I say..a unique voice of our generation

[@letusmake7093]

I thought I was going to be playing the jams in the background whilst working but her performance drew me in and all I wanted after that was to watch and be drawn into her presentation of important messages... Love you Zoe!

[@sabakes]

Thank you Goethe Institut for this wonderful concept. May it grow bigger and bigger. I really enjoyed Zoe's performance.

[@GoetheInstitutAfrica]

Thank you for the kind words Sabelo! We hope to bring you many more of these :)

[@learn-grow-glowwithimelda7903]

ZOE! that's it, that's the comment. And the band my goodness!! Everything sound beautiful.

[@bonganimazibuko1901]

What a blessing it is to listen to such music. ❤💛💓💙💚💖🖤💜🧡💟💌💘💥

[@dudubabyyy]

😭😭😭🔥🔥🔥

[@behindtheseams810]

Isegazini!!! 😭😩

[@ndabenhlemhlongo7231]

I love the consistency of Zoe Modiga’s music in different settings

[@lathi-thabuhlungu8857]

Inene wadala umdala, wadala yena.

[@millicentngomane3374]

Soothing music that speaks directly to the soul. Love you Zoe

[@nwa_mondlane]

i cant believe im hearing this with my own ears, this is beyond amazing wow pure excellence

[@orisononline4388]

Zoe Modiga watches Southpark and actually hears Kenny 😁💖

[@LadyPeac3]

Like so cool, and personal! :P

[@sophinkutha1648]

I am a fan of this amazing soul on the stage. She is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for giving us your all in stage. Hope this concept grows.

[@prudencemashiyane6253]

I see Sbu Bhanda there, my favorite bass guitarist

[@TheMduduzi]

Isegazini 😭😭😭😭👏👏🔥🔥

[@tueloxmokgothu122]

She is so gifted.😢❤

[@sikhosonketsobo139]

My GOODNESS 🤯🤯🔥🔥

[@rethabilephakoe487]

The day I see her perform live, I'll be in tears😭😭😭😭😭

[@katlehomogase5497]

What a talent, what control of her instrument and a great hand for the band as well. Lovely performance and a worthy addition to the world of international online performance spaces like NPR and now the Institute..

[@GoetheInstitutAfrica]

Thanks Katlego!

[@lungisindiswamdlalose4577]

What a beautiful Zoe just took us on😍 Sisi this is a marvelous recording

[@boitumelomakousu2358]

YOHHHHH!!!! Zoe is FIRE! This is amazing and an incredible platforms. Thank you for this.

[@GoetheInstitutAfrica]

We're glad you enjoy it as much as we do!

[@Sive_Nyanda]

Abantu and Isegazini 🥵❤️❤️

[@thandekakhathi7894]

woow what a gem! reminds me so much od Busi Mhlongo. I only found her recently !

[@kalembaSeleti]

Exceptional, love this performance. Banda Banda on bass is killing it as usual!

[@jezzfilmstudio2087]

World class Musician👑Zoe Modiga

[@mamodikwekungoane4156]

i didnt think i could love Zoe more, but here we are

[@primmy5432]

I’m such a big FAN I listen to this album everyday! Zoë is soooooo talented!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍

[@VhoTurnDoor]

14:04 - 15:20 (was Magnificent!!!).

[@nthabisengmakola28]

This woman performs so perfectly. This album is amazing, so very much needed, it arrived at a perfect time. You are also stylish! I had vaguely heard of her and loved her when she was interviewed on the YT Channel @Afrohub by Siphokuhle Booi

[@thembekamnguni4025]

For me to call her my friend, I feel unworthy. This girl is a gift to the world. Oh my goodness

[@NkosanaGumede]

Goddesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!

[@siphomahlobo1100]

I'm lost for words... I'm crying...

[@bonkesonjani272]

Phenomenal Zoe. ugh and the band chyle! truly amazing

[@dianakhumalo6905]

I'm going to see her and Banda Banda live on the 28th and I CANNOT wait! Such a beautiful and immersive performance! Thank you!

[@dianakhumalo6905]

Update: best night of my life! the performance was amazing, breath taking, everything and more! Kwaze kwamnandi!!!

[@Thelandlord637]

Always get so happy when I'm listening to this set, beautiful.

[@singoorifha837]

The beauty, stage presence and vocals all on point. ❤❤❤❤ just recently discovered this music

[@singoorifha837]

Where is the libraryJams located?

[@GoetheInstitutAfrica]

@@singoorifha837 Hi Singo, it is produced at the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg.

[@singoorifha837]

Where do I get tickets for live performances?

[@GoetheInstitutAfrica]

@@singoorifha837 Due to Corona, we have not opened the performances to the public yet. We hope to change that once the numbers have decreased. If you would like to be kept up-to-date, you can sign-up for our newsletter on our website: www.goethe.de/ins/za/en/new.html

[@phindilemantantana8605]

Zoe has such a pure and refreshing energy. What a voice

[@mbalimabaso]

Absolutely beautiful music for the soul

[@nosihlemadondo287]

Don't sleep on Zoë Y'all.

[@mthokozisimagagula]

Ire came through correct !

[@Brigitta73]

Beautiful! 😍🥰🌹

[@andrettam6896]

My song! Intsha i love, love, love it. I listen to it daily