South African singer/songwriter and bandleader Sharon Katz co-founded the band The Peace Train in 1992. Nelson Mandela was just out of prison, and Katz and her musicians traveled the country by train, performing celebratory concerts with a children’s choir and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. That landmark tour is documented in the 2015, award-winning documentary When Voices Meet, available on Amazon Prime. Since then, The Peace Train has performed around the world in a huge variety of settings, including along the U.S. southern border over the past two years, always promoting a message of unity, the protection and empowerment of children and, of course, peace.
This month, Katz and The Peace Train released a new album, For You. It’s a heartfelt set of uplifting original songs showcasing Katz’s signature blend of South African mbaqanga and Afro-jazz with influences of soul, folk, rock and more. Katz’s clear, songbird voice exudes commitment, sensitivity and moral clarity as she champions a message of hope in a troubled world.
Says Katz, “My music and my life choices have always been shaped by you – the extraordinary people I’ve met along my journey; the issues and challenges that have confronted us; and most importantly, the love and support we’ve shared.
So this album is truly For You.”
Katz and The Peace Train return to Joe’s Pub on Tuesday, September 5 at 7PM. Tickets: PublicTheater.org
More on the band and the album here. And check out the band’s soulful new video for the song, “What Can We Do / Sizokwenzenjani,” drawing attention to the plight of the homeless.
