JAZZ diva, Simphiwe Dana is one of South Africa’s biggest musical exports.

The most exciting thing to happen to Afro-soul since the legendary Miriam Makeba, she was spotted after the end of apartheid doing open mic sessions in Johannesburg and caught the attentions of the country’s best-respected musicians and producers.

And, while North Africa’s Tinariwen play the Oxford O2 tonight, this darling of the continent’s deep south is throwing lovers of African music into a tailspin by stopping off in Oxford as part of her first UK tour and playing the same venue – but different rooms.

Accompanied by an 11-piece ensemble, Dana will be performing material from her platinum-selling debut album Zandisile and follow-up The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street, which secured four South Africa Music Awards including Best Female Artist and Album of the Year. The show, at the Academy’s upstairs Zodiac room, follows performances at Nelson Mandela’s 83rd birthday, and the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door.