Divas from the South...West

By Thando Zulu

What do you get a when you cross a Hot Zambian chick, Phly Malawian honey & Phat a South African babe? The South West Divas.  Singer-songwriter and rapper Zani Challe (real name Zani Chiumia) has teamed up with the luscious Cleo XL and sexy rapstress Diamond Rose to form an all girl pop band of note. Their album is planned for release this Summer and they are already becoming a popular name in stages within and beyond the South African borders. Their single DIP is expected to hit radio stations from the 1^st of August.  The instant divas are also part of another single which is popping up on several radio stations THE SOUTH WEST ANTHEM. Not so long ago they were in Swaziland and performed alongside TeePee and Swaziland’s rap sensation Crax.  I was fortunate to catch the band in Club Sankayi in Sandton where they tore the stage up on June the 30^th this time alongside the Congolese pop star Don K 1st.

To some, South West Divas are a novelty Hip-Hop act. To me, they transcended that label and are a prime example of an independent alternative pop band.  This is based on their set which comprised of crunk, raps, ragga and a neo soul intermission in between.  All this dished up with exquisite costumes and stunning choreography. Their next appearance is at Latinova in Rosebank on the 29^th of July. I suggest you get there and see for yourself.