Following a successful Cape Town album launch in November 2024, genre-blending ensemble Shef and The Kitchen are set to headline their biggest performance yet at the Roodepoort Theatre on July 25. The concert marks a key moment in the band’s journey, bringing their latest body of work, The Next Recipe, to a live audience of over 200 attendees.
The Johannesburg-based group, known for their soulful fusion of African Pop, Soul, and Funk, recorded the 11-track album in Orange Farm, south of the city. Produced by Lucky “Master Lugz” Shabangu, and written by frontman Siphiwe “Shef” Hlophe, the project captures the energy and emotion that has come to define the band’s growing reputation.
A Celebration of Roots and Resilience
At the heart of The Next Recipe lies a tribute to maternal strength and generational legacy. “It’s our way of appreciating the mothers who raised us and gave us a chance to become the men we are today,” says Hlophe. The album honours the formative role of women in shaping lives, while also reflecting on the band’s own journey—from township beginnings to international stages.
Global influences are woven throughout the project, particularly inspired by the band’s 2020 tour of India, where they connected with new audiences across Asia. Yet, the soul of the album remains distinctly African, grounded in the lived experience of its creators and their cultural heritage.
From the Studio to the Stage
The concert will feature music from The Next Recipe, including the lead single #Siyathandana, a track that blends smooth vocals and African rhythms in a heartfelt ode to love and human connection. The single is currently streaming on major digital platforms.
Shef and The Kitchen will be joined by a lineup of local talent, each bringing a unique voice to the evening. Reign Africa is expected to deliver her signature blend of Afrobeat and contemporary R&B; The Locrianz Band will showcase a jazz-inflected sound enriched with traditional African rhythms; SekenHand Band offers an eclectic mix from reggae to funk; while rising artist Zithulele will bring soul and lyrical depth to the stage.
