Jazz guitar maestro Selaelo Selota teams up with Ami Faku and Howie Combrink to launch One Country Concert at Ditsong Pioneer Museum in Silverton
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
Jazz guitar maestro Selaelo Selota is not only innovative in producing great sounds that over the years has impressed many a listener as well as getting them to dance at festivals. He is also active too in organising his own gigs, something every musician should be doing right now especially because the global pandemic has disrupted several industries, including the music promotion sector. Many a music promoter has been affected by Covid-19, which also has seen sponsorship for gigs dry up. It is in this context that what Selaelo and other innovative musicians are doing, which is to orgaqnise their own gigs must be applauded. One other artist who is also known for organising his own gigs is another jazz artist Mandla Mlangeni.
In the meantime, all roads lead to Ditsong: Pioneer Museum in Silverton on 10 September 2022 where Selaelo Selota will be hosting his inaugural One Country Concert. For this event which promises to be the talk of the town, he will be featuring the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalists and music producer, Howie Combrink and the award winning Afro-Soul musician and songwriter Ami Faku.
One Country, One Concert is a concept based on the song One Country that became the bedrock of the theme centre for Selaelo Selota’s latest album 8 Colours of The Rainbow.
“I was prompted to write a song that addresses the need for South Africans to unite as a nation, regardless of the background, race, status and political affiliation. I also looked into the social cohesion that is lacking within the music and entertainment industry and I immediately came up with this concept where I can feature artists that speak to my vision of one country. Ami Faku and Howie Combrink were my first choice because of their talent, artistry and the fire they bring on stage. This inaugural concert is the beginning of a series of concerts that I plan to take on a national tour.” says Selaelo Selota.
Howie Combrink is no stranger to the South African music scene and is known to his fans and music lovers for his up-tempo folk-pop tunes. During his time with the band and as a solo artist, he has shared a stage with acts such as Roxette, James, Prime Circle, The Parlotones, Jeremy Loops, Fokofpolisiekar, The Kiffness, Goodluck, Majozi and many more.
“I was thrilled and honoured to be invited to share the stage with the legendary Selaelo Selota. People can expect to be reconnected with the vision and dream that brought us together when we ushered democracy into our country.” said Howie Combrink.
The award winning Ami Faku rose to fame as a contestant on The Voice SA in 2017 and began getting recognition in the music industry. Since her big break into the music industry she has featured in a number of South African hits and is currently one of the female artists that everyone wants to collaborate with. She was featured on President Obama’s favourite music list for her single Uwrongo and also made it onto Time Magazine’s coveted “10 Best Songs of 2020” list for the same single.
“When I received that call from Selaelo Selota I was so excited and there is no way I was gonna say no to such an opportunity. As a young musician I have always looked up to him and to be featured in his inaugural One Coluntry Concert is a dream come true.” added Ami Faku.
It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that this concert is bound to attract many of music lovers to witness what promises to be a magical afternoon of performances by these three formidable musicians. Each a crowd puller on their own right, having the three of them on the same stage, is clearly a winning formula and combination. To be part of this experience, get your tickets now from Ticketpro.