Music News South Africa

Auriol Hays pays a personal tribute to Nina Simone

Auriol Hays, a SAMA nominee and Cape Town-based jazz and blues singer-songwriter sensation, will take you on a journey of pain and beauty of the great Nina Simone songbook. In an exclusive 'I put a spell on you' Nina Simone introspective, taking place at the Dorpstraat Restaurant Theater, on Saturday 3 August 2103, Auriol will present a personal touch to her performance, while paying tribute to Nina Simone.

Led by Auriol's powerful and sultry voice, the carefully selected set of interwoven songs of 'I put a spell on You' artistically and emotionally blends past and present art and artists to evidentially tell a story of artistic growth.

A personal journey

Accompanied by her consummate band, Auriol does not merely pay tribute to Nina Simone, but presents a personal touch to this performance. The reflective tone of the performance offers an introspective gaze on how Simone has influenced her own musical journey.

"I put a spell you", Auriol says "is about growth and taking personal ownership for your life and the choices you make. It is about getting to terms with your power as a woman." Her connection with Nina Simone is in more than just the notes in the music; it lies in the burning desire to sing more than anything else. She adds that Nina understood what it meant to be human and that life isn't always pretty or nice.

Just like Nina, Auriol can sing her way through all the highs and lows of life and has the spunk to say things as they are. Nina and Auriol have a raw quality that makes them stand out from the crowd.

For this songbird, there was no other dream but to sing. She could not imagine anything that could make her happy, but singing. "It was never about the fame and fortune when you have no clue about musicians or know people in the industry." The desire to sing never left Auriol all those years ago before she stepped onto a stage.

She said that this dream brought her to where she is today, able to go on stage and do a brilliant performance through songs and storytelling. To do Nina has taken hard work, but Auriol says her band understands her and if they know what she wants they will do everything to give it to her.

She says "There's always time for good music, and Nina falls under the category of good music, you know."

Get your ticket

To enjoy this 'I put a spell on you' experience on the 3 August 2013 at the Dorpstraat Restaurant Theater, The Shed, Summerhill Wine Farm, R44 Klapmuts, just outside Stellenbosch, Cape Town, book and reserve now as tickets are limited.

There are only 120 tickets available. For R50 a ticket, patrons can book via www.dorpstraat.co.za or az.oc.taartsprod@ofni. While tickets may be available at the door on the night of the performance, booking ahead is highly recommended.

Let's do Biz