Simphiwe Dana

b. 1980, Gcuwa, Transkei, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Dana's father was a preacher and as she grew up she heard church music in both choral and gospel forms. From 2002 she sang in small clubs in Johannesburg where she began attracting attention. She made a major impact in South Africa with the release in 2004 of Zandisile. The album sold very well and gained several awards, including a South African Music Award (SAMA) as Best Jazz Vocal album in 2005. Dana also received a SAMA as Best Newcomer. On its worldwide release the album gained success in the Billboard charts and she w...