Karen Zoid, was born in Brussels, Belgium in 1978. The daughter of a South African diplomat, she grew up in Johannesburg. An accomplished songwriter she has both vocal and guitar talent. From an early music career which saw her busking on the streets of Melville, she has risen to an award-winning national figure.
Many of her songs, in both English and Afrikaans, have attained cult status, transcending language and cultural barriers. Her band is composed of Don Reinecke, Rixi Roman and Marlon Green.
Her status as a cross-cultural icon was exemplified when she performed at President Mbeki’s inauguration.
She and her band performed at Nelson Mandela's 46664 charity concert in South Africa in 2005. She also donated her part of royalties on an album sponsored by Levi-Strauss to the Treatment Action Campaign.
2007 has been a busy year, with Karen Zoid and Don Reinecke become proud parents of Ben Reinecke on 29 January. Bassist Rixi Roman and wife Angela welcomed baby Angelo on 20 February.
2007 also saw Karen sign with new label Just Music, perform with Hothouse Flowers, Jimmy Dludlu, Arno Carstens and others at Spier in Stellenbosch as part of old Mutual’s “Encounters” project and co-host the SAMA gala evening with gospel icon Kina Shirindi at Sun City.
