Heritage weekend celebrated in musical style in Johannesburg
By CityLife Arts Writer
The long weekend was celebrated in style by those who made it to the Tmusicman Spectacular Jazz Concerts that took place in Sandton through a drive in style. The three day series of concerts kicked off on Heritage Day, September 24, 2021 on a high note, ending in style on Sunday, September 26, 2021.
The first day of the weekend-long concerts kicked off with a powerful tone-setting performance by Ziza Muftik Band– with Concord Nkabinde, Roland Moses, Peter Auret and a special guest, Khaya Mahlangu. Their rendition of the famous Igqirha lendlelawas the befitting celebration of our heritage and the multicultural nation that is South Africa. The day could only get better with Uhaditaking to the stage delivering some of the most loved Sibongile Khumalo’s songs sung by Gloria Bosman under the stars in honour of the late great songstress on her birthday. She touched many of the revellers who, in turn, honked their car horns to show their appreciation and enjoyment.
Day two took the momentum set by the day one performers and took it to higher levels with a highlight performance by Billy Monama, Cameron Ward, Michael Bester and Siphokazi on vocals delivering the Themba Mokoena Guitar Summitwith the legendary Bra Themba Mokoena himself performing his songs and some of his favourite tunes. In the evening, Genesis of A Different World performed to live up to the term “a different world” indeed. The installment of Steve Dyer, Bokani Dyer, Sisonke Xonti, Sithembiso Bhengu, Lungile Kunene, Leagan Breda, Romy Brauteseth, David Cousinssaw cars shaking caused by occupants dancing and screaming out for an encore.
The show ushered in beautiful Sunday Jazz tunes with a performance from the talented Vuma Levin who was joined by Sisonke Xonti Bokani Dyer and Romy Brauteseth on stage. They played their hearts out kick-starting a jazzy Sunday, before welcoming Nduduzo Makhatini,Thandi Ntuli and Mark Fransmanto close off the evening as well as the weekend festivities. They performed what was called the Throwing of Bonesin celebration of the past, present and future of the people and jazz music. Everyone present walked away with a very distinct feeling that the music will be alright and there will be more jazz to come.
Overall, the audience took part in a beautiful weekend of jazz under the stars.