Lorraine Klaasen is a South African singer based in London, Ontario. Born in 1957, in Soweto, South Africa, Klaasen started her career at a young age, accompanying her mother (South Afrian jazz singer Thandi Klaasen) to live performances all over South Africa and neighbouring states of Mozambique and Swaziland. She later delved into musical theatre and went on to tour across Europe before finally settling in Montreal, Canada. Klaasen’s music reflects her cultural diversity, having performed in over 15 languages and dialects. Her music is also influenced by her band musicians’ Caribbean roots, and combined with her vocal prowess, results in a unique and eclectic sound. In 2013, Klaasen won the Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year for her 2012 album A Tribute to Miriam Makeba. Klaasen’s contribution to African-Canadian music is significant, shattering the mould for what an African artist could sound like. Her music celebrates her heritage and cultural roots.