Words: Kit Heathcock | Image: Eben Photography & Natasha Lassen
Zimbabwean-born singer-songwriter Mae Sithole and her band see music as one way to fulfil the pan-African dream of bringing people of all cultures together. Their vision is to take Afro-fusion music to the world, combining traditional African instruments with contemporary jazz, soul and pop. Mae lives with her husband in Vredehoek, which is conveniently close to her favourite music venues around town.
Home sweet home
Mae had an international upbringing with her family, living in places as diverse as Zimbabwe, New York and Ethiopia and performing in musicals and TV shows as a teenager and young adult. She came to Cape Town in 2009 and has lived here ever since. “I was given a calendar with photos of Cape Town as a gift and I fell in love with the city,” says Mae, “so when I was deciding where to do my post-grad studies, Cape Town was the place.”
Mae moved to Vredehoek three years ago. “We stay at the foot of Table Mountain close to hiking trails and the views are breathtaking. My husband was already living in the neighbourhood when we met and had found the apartment many years ago. It has beautiful views and the sunrise from the apartment is glorious in winter. Nights with a full moon compare to nowhere else in the city.”
Living in Vredehoek is very convenient for Mae’s career with its quick and easy access to the centre of Cape Town and the venues where she and her band perform. “For musicians, listening venues are key and Cape Town has lots of really good ones. We performed at Cafe Roux Cape Town when we launched our latest EP, Visions. It allows you to connect with your audience in a special way and their sound is brilliant. We also love Alexander Bar. Cape Town is a great place to perform and to connect with other musicians.”
Vredehoek is also perfectly placed for an active open-air lifestyle with the mountain on its doorstep. “I love to hike up to the Table Mountain cable car just before sunset, and to picnic at the Deer Park Forest,” says Mae. “I also like to take walks to and from the city reservoir, which is not far from where we stay. If you have dogs (I’m sad that we don’t), it’s the perfect environment. They can run on the mountain and enjoy the freedom that a lot of city dwellers can’t afford their pets.”
Gems in the neighbourhood
What it lacks in fine dining, Vredehoek makes up for in its friendly neighbourhood cafes. “There are a number of restaurants and bistros that are exquisite and affordable,” says Mae. “Con Brio and Carlyles On Derry are our favourite lunch or dinner spots in the area. And, of course, everyone knows that the Spar offers tasty fish and sushi.”
With the growing foodie vibe in neighbouring Gardens, you don’t even have to go as far as the CBD for more choice. “Ben Wei at Wembley Square makes the best sushi ever! Their platters and Asian dishes are creative, mouth-watering and filling! Perfect for a date night.”
Perfect Sunday
Mae’s perfect Sunday would start with breakfast at the Deer Park Cafe, followed by a hike through the forest up Table Mountain, she says.
“A lunchtime picnic with the scenic view of Cape Town’s CBD, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill – not to mention the ocean views – would be the perfect break after a morning of hiking. I would end the day with sunset cocktails at the Sidewalk Cafe (they often have two-for-one specials). Finally, the icing on the cake would be a homemade dinner for two in our apartment with Gregory Porter’s “It’s probably me” playing in the background.”
“I love the fact that Vredehoek is 10-minutes away from Cape Town’s hub and despite our closeness to the CBD, the environment is serene and peaceful
Mae Sithole
About Mae Sithole Band
Zimbabwean-born Mae Sithole and her band believe music has the power to bring people of all cultures together. Art is one way to fulfil the pan-African dream. The band is made up of Takie Tshikovhi (band director), Khwezi Ziqubu (bass guitar), Dylan Fine (guitars), Daniel Abeka (drums), Jason Skippers (drums), Sam Sithole (vocals) and Wayde Hardy (percussion). maesitholeband.com
Eat:
- Deer Park Cafe: for breakfast and family-friendly lunches
- Sidewalk Cafe: for cocktails and casual cafe fare
- Con Brio: for excellent bistro fare, burgers and pizzas
- Red Sofa Cafe: a contemporary spot for a coffee
- Carlyles On Derry: for pizzas, pasta and a convivial neighbourhood vibe
- Bella Italia Vredehoek: a family-style restaurant
- Woodlands Eatery: for Italian-inspired cuisine
- Ben Wei: fresh sushi and Asian cuisine at Wembley Square
Do:
- Hike up Table Mountain at sunset
- Picnic in Deer Park Forest
- Head to Gardens Shopping Centre for boutiques and specialist food stores
- Join the vibrant music scene at venues like Cafe Roux and Alexander Bar
- Visit Wembley Square for the Virgin Active and vibey eateries
