South Africans fell in love with Gift Gwe during the third season of Idols (2005) – Now the singer/songwriter has released an original body of work – bolstered with a high dose of funk, neo-soul and a vocal delivery of exceptional distinction that have ensured his fan base grows and grows!
Any new artist will tell you it’s a near-impossible feat to create a sound that stands-out in a musical world as intensely populated as the contemporary one - but South Africa’s Gift Gwe has managed just that with his debut, full-length album.
Titled BACK TO YOU, the record is shaped with love and a passion that few young artists can match, with a deeply-felt sense of integrity providing the foundation for the most important element in Gift’s career to date.
Gift’s participation in the third season of Idols, which saw him reach close second to Karen Kortje, earned him the adoration of thousands of fans throughout the country. At that time, it was clear to see just how singularly talented this Queenstown-born, Mosselbay-raised singer was. The last three years have shown us that talent and hard-work are truly what it takes to make it in this industry … and Gift has an excess of both. The high-demand for his live shows at corporates, charity events and festivals would be more than most artists could handle and yet he still managed to find time for his new family and recorded a SAMA Nominated Debut Album. It’s become clear that “breaking the boundaries” is something else this young artist excels in.
If the release of a completely original, immensely successful debut album wasn’t enough, his continual demand on himself to better his last performance has resulted in a stunning new live show.
His understanding of the marketplace and need to combine both his original music with a phenomenal selection of cover songs have always ensured that his live shows were memorable. Gift on stage is quite simply an experience but with his new NINE Piece Band it’s now an event.
Whilst Gift will probably still do shows on Back-tracks for years to come, his growth as a musician can be best appreciated when you see him on stage with a live band, two backing vocalists and his two dancers. The repertoire has grown to encompass even more popular covers and of course, his beautiful original songs, perfectly delivered and with more visual energy than one can imagine.
Thousands of his fans are in anticipation waiting for his second release which will drop mid-May 2010, but he has decided to spoil them a bit by releasing “feeling good” (1st single) on radio beginning February 2010.
Already a favourite amongst all South Africa’s, Gift is a must for any event!
2009 Performances include:
PetroSA year-end Functions
Nestle year end
Mossel Bay’s Youth Day
Opening of New Section – Eastgate MALL - JHB
Gift Gwe Tour 2009 (Southern Cape)
Nam Festival - Springbok
PetroSA Shutdown Awareness (Mossel Bay)
Summer Festival (Riversdale)
Bravo Festival (Mossel Bay)
Testimonials
-Well done for the excellent entertainment last night. Everyone tells me how great you have been. Keep up the good work. Sorry I couldn’t make it. I’m in Durban…
Cheers and God bless you - Mariska, Nestle Mossel Bay
- We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the professional and excellent way you entertained the guests during the PetroSA year end functions.
From the feedback I’ve received, the guests enjoyed every moment of having you on stage.
I hope next year will be a great year full of opportunities for you.
God bless and good wishes for a safe festive season. Sincerely – Irene Ambrose, PetroSA
-A big thank you for making this summer a memorable one for us. A blessed new year for you and your family – Chris Taute, Hessequa Municipal Meyer
