FUSION BAND TO TAKE SOUTH AFRICA BY STORM

CODA was nominated as one of the South African’s top five new bands in the 2006 Top Billing/Lifestyle Awards, and has been described in the media as the ‘next big thing’ in the South African music industry.

John Bartmann of the music website Overtone, having recently attended a CODA performance with Arno Carstens, comments, ‘Coda is, quite simply, the hottest new act to hit the stage since FreshlyGround.’

Over the past 18 months the group has performed at numerous high-profile national and international events, including concerts (Jazzathon, Jazz on the Rocks, Home For All), fashion shows (Cape Town Fashion Week, Durban Fashion Week), sports events (J&B Met, Durban July) launch parties and government events. International interest in the band is evident with forthcoming bookings in Dubai and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls). CODA performed in the Seychelles for New Year 2006.

Says Bianca Coleman of the Cape Argus ‘CODA is just so hot right now…You simply cannot think about having a party without at least trying to sign them up for the evening’s entertainment…CODA is the city’s most in-demand band.’

The band comprises lead vocalist Yolanda Yawa, violinist Ray Goodman, cellist Carol Thorns and DJ Nick Matthews.

Band leader, Carol Thorns believes CODA represents a new wave of South African music that is both stylish and street-wise. ‘CODA’s success to date is due to a style of music that is truly unique and accessible,’ she says. ‘Although CODA’s musicians come from such diverse backgrounds, both musically and personally, this diversity has created a tangible magic on stage. There is a very special connection between the CODA members, and our audiences can feel it’.

CODA’s music has become popular amongst many well-known South Africans including one of the countries most admired statesmen, Desmond Tutu.

Archbishop Tutu personally invited CODA to perform at his 75th birthday party after being blown away by their performance at FW de Klerk’s birthday where guests included Nelson Mandela, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Trevor Manual and First Lady Zanele Mbeki, as well as many international heads of state.  

Their debut album Believe has a distinctly home-grown South African influence, but this is taken to a new level by combining electric strings with CODA’s DJ to create a contemporary international sound that could cement South Africa’s growing reputation for fresh, innovative and infectious dance music.

‘Believe’ was produced by Brice Koeller and recorded at Cyclops / Mamadance studios in Cape Town. Gabi Le Roux, one of the country’s foremost composers and producers also came on board the CODA project and wrote and produced the opening track called Yiyizela – Brand New Style. Mmelwane (track 3) was composed and produced by Grenville Williams of Godessa.

For further information go to codamusic@telkomsa.net