Sheba Williams plays a tribute to Nina Simone at the Auckland International Cabaret Season. Photo: Supplied
A queen of cabaret, Wellington-born Sheba Williams, is taking on the repertoire of her inspiration, Nina Simone. She's performing at the Auckland International Cabaret Season, returning for its third year at Auckland Town Hall.
It was a friend who introduced Nina Simone's music to Sheba.
"She put it on and she said, 'You must know Nina Simone?' I said 'No', and she put it on and I was like, 'Wow, who is that?'. It was instant love."
The first time Sheba performed Simone's songs was at Sandwiches in Wellington, where she held a wake for the late singer, reinterpreting her music and paying homage to her legacy.
Sheba performs 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' in the Auckland studio.
