The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sunday Life Correspondent
ARTISTES lined up to perform at the Africa Day in Njube concert have promised a great show as their showcase their artistry to a “new” audience.
The one-day music extravaganza scheduled for Salukazi Arts Centre in Njube won’t charge entrance fees, meaning this could be a totally different audience they are used to performing to.
Lady Tshawe and Hwabaraty promised enthralling acts, adding they are hoping to win over what they perceive to be new supporters. Lady Tshawe, birth name Nomashekwazi Damasane, said despite having performed in the high density suburbs as part of other groups this will be the first time she would be making a solo performance.
“I have had shows in the western areas before but I was with other groups but on Africa Day it will be a solo show and it is something I am greatly looking forward. I think it’s important for the audience to see me as Lady Tshawe. I won’t be daunted by the different audience and will dish out new and old poetry but people can also expect afro-jazz tunes on the day,” she said.
Lady Tshawe said the concert presents a great platform to celebrate our uniqueness as a people, a nation and Africa at large, adding this would certainly spur her own.
Japhet Mlauzi, who stage name is Hwabaraty, said he is taking the performance seriously as he has fond of his childhood memories of Njube.
“I grew up in Njube and obviously it is emotional having my first performance there although I have played at Mathonisa in Mpopoma before I am relishing getting on stage on Africa day. I will be at my lively best and urge the people of Njube and other suburbs to come out in their numbers and come and see what their sons and daughters in the arts industry are creating,” he said.
The percussionist decided to pursue a solo career in music and released his debut album, Woza Nhlanhla early this year. The 11-track album features Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele, Vusa Mkhaya and Noma Nkwali offering various genres such as Imbube, Maskandi and kwaito.
Hwabaraty is likely to perform songs from the offering that include the title track, Makhwela Intaba, Isilwane and Hole lami among others.
Other acts such scheduled to perform on the day include Iyasa, Khuxxman, Band With No Name, De Lukes, Ashleigh, Victory Siyanqoba, Khoi Khoi, Hwabaraty, Nobuntu, Khuliyo, Sungura Masters, Ramsey, Carlos, Ezimnyama and MJ Sings. One of the organisers of the event, Bruce Ncube said they are ready to host the inaugural Africa Day in Njube festival which they hope to make an annual event.
He said they are aiming at reaching out to new audiences through making the concert free.
“We have many artistes who grew up in the western areas but because of the structure of the industry have never performed in these areas so we are offering them a platform to show the people who made them what they are to appreciate their talent.
“We are not only looking at arts lovers in Njube but by making it free we hope people from other suburbs also attend the event,” he said.
A jumping castle will be available at the event, making it an outing for the whole family and it kicks off at midday. African traditional foods will be on sale along with artefacts such as bangles, necklaces and other such ornaments.
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