Women, women and more women enjoy jazz picnic
IT WAS a day of love, music, good food and words of wisdom from women of all walks of life.
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Women’s HeArt picnic held at Constitution Hill on Saturday was aimed at celebrating women in the arts and the creative industry.
There were talks from brand ambassadors, survivors, business women and musicians.
Joy of Jazz executive producer Mantwa Chinoamadi compered the event. Speakers spoke on the many roles of a woman which make the world move forward.
“The mother, sister, daughter, cousin, neighbour and friend make it possible for all of us to reach our collective next in the journey towards building better lives for ourselves,” said one of the speakers.
Topics explored included mentorship and its true value to young women, self love and more.
Nokukhanya Dlamini said this specific performance was special because mama Letta Mbulu was there to see her sing her song There is Music in the Air.
Dlamini broke down while singing the song.
Mbulu eventually joined her on stage, not to sing with her but rather to embrace Dlamini.
“I’m very happy, you don’t understand,” Dlamini said as she hugged Mbulu, who then responded to the guests by explaining why she did not sing with Dlamini.
“I hope I am not disappointing people when I refuse to sing. Let’s please understand this is a different spirit, let’s listen to this spirit and enjoy it for what it is,” Mbulu said as she held hands with Dlamini.
“There is a gift here that comes from above and let’s not disturb it. Give it its space to grow and nourish your souls.”
After the emotional embrace, rising star Nelisiwe Sibiya, whose voice has been described as magical, got on stage.
She sang three songs including the popular Mama ka Bafana.
The song talks about a woman who had to defend herself from her abuser by killing him and later having to go to his mother to apologise.
The powerful song was a representation of the issues facing the country with women being killed by their partners.
Nothemba Madumo played a jazz fused set that brought the heat to the slightly cold day.
Rounding things off was Queen Choco with a musical set that included Whitney Houston’s anthem I’m Every Woman which had all the women on the dance floor.
The Women’s HeArt event is part of a programme of events taking place as part of the Road to Joy of Jazz.
The main festival, which is now in its 21st year, will take place from September 27 to September 29.