This weekend the City of Cape Town welcomed the 16th Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Always an event not to be missed, the sold out festival promised a weekend to remember.
We kicked things off with a performance from the Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka-Chaka at the legendary Kippies stage. 30 years into her music career, the star was able to remind us why she's such a talented musician as she delivered a spectacular performance backed by vocalists Mandisa Dlanga, Steven Mthimkhulu and Thembi Kubeka. That powerful alto voice is what got the crowd on their feet and assured us the night was still young.
It was then off to the Rosies stage, which never disappoints(the snaking queue was evidence enough). Madala Kunene and his ensemble took to the stage around 17:45. The King of the Zulu guitar who made his first guitar out of a cooking oil tin with fish gut for the strings came to the party with his Zulu folklore inspired guitar playing. Even he enjoyed his performance!
Running back to the Kippies stage (we told you it's amazing) we got to see the Gentle giant of SA music, Sipho Mabuse. The man has earned the name "Hotstix" through his undeniable talent on the drums and yet again delivered a noteworthy performance. Though he says "I don't think that as a musician you can retire but you can slow down" we saw no signs of such tendencies. The man was on fire!
Next up on our lineup was Mr I deserve, h.imself, Donald. Seeing this man in concert is beautiful and he pulled off an excellent show on the Basil "Manenberg" Coetzee stage. Keep your eye on this young singer, songwriter and producer, who is also a businessman with his own record label and was aptly described as the future of South African music. We thank you, Malaika, for this amazing discovery.
We wrapped up the night with The Mahotella Queens in their jubilee celebration at that Kippies stage and the ladies gave an electric performance. Formed in 1964 by music producer Rupert Bopape, the Queens also showed no signs of slowing down and gave the crowd a spectacle with their signature dance moves.
The night was an all round success and we can't wait to tell you about the second night!. Look forward to our review where we cover the likes of Ringo Madlingozi, Naima Kay, The CITY, Dirty Loops, a Hugh Masekele & Oliver Mtukudzi duet, Victor Masondo & Friends ft. Thei Msthali, Beatenberg, Al Jarreau and so much more!