Sathima Bea Benjamin's Grammy-Nominated Album 'Dedications' Re-Issued

ekapa records, in partnership with Celeste Records, is proud to announce the re-issue of South African jazz singer Sathima Bea Benjamin's masterpiece Dedications, available for the first time ever on DVD.

Recorded in 1982, and nominated for a Grammy award, Dedications showcases Sathima's singing and composing at their finest. Backed by pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs, bassist Buster Williams, drummer Ben Riley, and special guest percussionist Dom Um Romao, Sathima leads the group through her incomparable renditions of music by Victor Herbert, Duke Ellington, and others. In addition, Dedications demonstrates Sathima's skills as a composer, as on her classic piece Africa. The album also includes two bonus tracks: You Are My Heart's Delight (from her album Love Light), and Indian Summer (from her album Windsong).

Born in Cape Town, Sathima Bea Benjamin is one of South Africa's great musical treasures, and has over the years established herself as one of the greatest living jazz singers in the world, having worked with such music legends as Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and her husband, Abdullah Ibrahim. In addition to Dedications, Sathima has recorded 10 other albums, all highly acclaimed. Her work as a jazz singer, composer, producer, and also as an activist for South Africa's ANC earned her, in 2004, the Order of Ikhamanga, South Africa's highest honor.

As a singer, Sathima's interpretations of standards have earned her a devoted audience and the highest praise of critics. Jules Epstein, writing for the Philadelphia Tribune, notes “there may be ten great jazz singers alive today, and Sathima Bea Benjamin is unquestionably one." New York Times critic Jon Pareles declared that “Miss Benjamin could make a word cry out with just a flicker of vibrato."

“I have fond and exciting memories of doing this, my second LP recording, and working with musicians," writes Sathima. “I hope the listeners enjoy."

For more information, visit www.sathimabeabenjamin.com