French label Baco Records released iimini on July 3rd, adding yet another dimension to Mabandla’s growing international impact. Since the album was released digitally on March 27th, it has provided welcome respite from the all-encompassing COVID-19 pandemic, visible in the excellent streaming numbers for iimini in France, Germany and the Netherlands.
Online orders of iimini can be made through:
Baco Records www.reggaecorner.com for the UK and Europe
The Other Records www.records.theother.co.za for South Africa
South Africans fans will be pleased to know that vinyl copies of the album are available at select SA outlets in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. The vinyl is distributed by The Other Records who ship all over South Africa. Founder Aaron Peters says “We are excited to be distributing this incredible album from one of our favourite artists. Bongeziwe’s music means so much to people and it’s great to have a part in spreading it further”.
The stores in SA that currently have stock of the vinyl are:
- South Store and Khaya Records in Durban
- The Other Record Store, Roastin Records and Voom Voom in Cape Town
- Mad Records in Johannesburg
With the availability of the physical album adding to iimini’s presence in Europe and the UK, Mabandla is planning a slate of live shows across Europe later this year.
Among these is an October 1st performance in Paris, at FGO-Barbara which features a 300-seater concert hall and is known for hosting exciting current global talent. Other European dates are being planned for September and October with Mabandla’s October 6th show at Amsterdam’s famed Paradiso already sold out.
During lockdown, Mabandla has been an in-demand streaming performer – taking part in Festival Rio Loco and appearing on Mzansi Magic’s Homeground in June, among other events. He was part of the recent Billboard Live at Home series as well as the Colors show, HOME/BRED where he was also part of the series’ Best Of Edition in May.
