Zahara's Phendula Tour takes On 11 cities

Her itinerary kicks off at the Cape Town ICC on 27 September 2013 before trekking up north to the Lyric Theatre at the Gold Reef City in Johannesburg for two shows on 3 and 4 October. She also has dates in Mbombela, Mahikeng, Port Elizabeth, Mangaung, Polokwane and Durban.

Commenting on the tour, TK Nciza of TS Records said the purpose was to showcase Zahara by taking her to the people and making her more accessible without waiting for promoters to book her.

Part of the exercise will be a first listen to Zahara's new material. Her second album Phendula is set to emulate the high critical acclaim and best-selling debut Loliwe that turned her into a national treasure.

The tour will give her fans a firsthand experience of Phendula (meaning respond or reply) which features artists such Ladysmith Black Mambazo, poet Mzwakhe Mbuli, 2Face Idibia and twins Anele and Neliswa Mxhakaza.

Songs like Phendula, Rise Again, Stay and Intliziyo Yam from the 14 track album promise to be as anthemic as Loliwe, Mthwalo Wami and Thekwana which catapulted Zahara into the stratosphere of music prominence.

A proud Nciza said they put their all in the new album and Zahara delivered beyond expectations. He is convinced that it belongs to the collection of every decent music lover.

Remarkably more mature in sound and approach, Zahara has a song in French and still manages to get fans to dance and heal through the music while inspiring them. "You still get the Zahara you expect for those who believe in love and music," says Nciza.

Phendula, which has been under construction for the past eight months was recorded at the KZN Studios in Greyville, Durban and is being mastered at TS Records studios in Joburg. It is inspired by the surroundings Zahara finds herself in, day to day life, people and love - the real issues of life.

Full tour itinerary: