Lorraine Klaasen facts for kids
Lorraine Klaasen (born in 1957) is a talented singer from London, Ontario, Canada. She is known for her "world music" style. Her mother, Thandi Klaasen, was also a famous jazz singer from South Africa.
Lorraine has performed at big events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival. She has also traveled to many countries, including the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Both Lorraine and her mother were known to be favorite musicians of Nelson Mandela, a very important leader from South Africa.
In 2013, Lorraine won a special award called a Juno Award. This was for her album A Tribute to Miriam Makeba. She won in the World Music Album of the Year category at the 42nd Annual Juno Awards.
Contents
Lorraine Klaasen's Journey
Early Life in South Africa
Lorraine Klaasen grew up in Soweto, South Africa. She was surrounded by music from a young age. Many famous South African musicians from the 1950s and 1960s were friends with her mother. These included legendary singers like Miriam Makeba, Dolly Rathebe, and Dorothy Masuka. They greatly influenced Lorraine's musical style.
Starting Her Music Career
Lorraine began her singing career when she was very young. She often joined her mother for live performances. They traveled all over South Africa and to nearby countries like Mozambique and Swaziland. Later, Lorraine started performing in musical theater. She toured across Europe before settling in Montreal, Canada.
Her Unique Sound
Lorraine Klaasen's music has a special mix of sounds. She blends influences from Quebec, Haiti, and French Africa. She also sings in several African languages, such as Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa, and Lingala. Her band members' Caribbean roots also add to her unique and exciting sound.
Supporting Young Artists
Lorraine is a big supporter of the performing arts for young people in Canada. She has helped various groups and organizations. One example is RapSohD Talented Teens Canada. She helps encourage young talent.
Awards and Recognition
In 1997, Lorraine won the Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award. This award recognized her hard work and musical talent. Later, in 2013, she was nominated for and won a Juno Award. This was for her album Tribute to Miriam Makeba, released in 2012. The Juno Award is one of Canada's most important music awards.
Lorraine Klaasen now lives in London, Ontario, Canada. She used to live in Montreal, Quebec.
Music Albums
Here are some of the albums Lorraine Klaasen has released:
- 2000: African Connexion
- 2008: Africa Calling
- 2012: A Tribute to Miriam Makeba
Watch Her Perform
You can watch some of Lorraine Klaasen's performances online:
- Pata Pata (Belle et Bum), 2012
- Africa Calling (promo), 2008
