Eastern Cape Jazz Fest crowd treated to some world-class music
Hundreds of jazz lovers were mesmerised by world-class performances during the inaugural Eastern Cape Jazz Festival over the weekend.
The two-day event, which began on Friday, was opened by sport, recreation, arts & culture MEC Fezeka Bayeni, with premier Oscar Mabuyane attending on Saturday.
Bayeni said jazz music had always been a carrier of heritage and culture in the Eastern Cape. “It is therefore befitting that in heritage month we be part of a weekend-long jazz festival here in Buffalo City Metro.
“The Eastern Cape’s richness and historical jazz heritage is deep, so this festival represents the expression of this,” she said.
The show, held at East London’s Abbotsford Christian Centre, featured jazz artists such as the legendary Sibongile Khumalo, Molo hitmaker Dumza Maswana and Lulama Gawulana. Selaelo Selota, who was supposed to perform, did not due to the event running late. In a statement on their Facebook page, organisers apologised saying: “The late start, coupled with the fact that the venue, by law, doesn’t allow events to continue after 12.30am, meant we had to close the doors. We tried our very best to request additional time to no avail. We humbly apologise to Mr Selota who was backstage ready to perform, and the fans that stayed until late, but had to watch him leave the premises.”
Other artists who entertained the large audience included Titi Luzipho, Lindiwe Maxolo, Lwanda Gogwana, Retsi Pule, Mlungisi Gegana and King William’s Town singer Zenazi Msusa. Msusa performed after being voted in by the public in a competition recently held by the organisers of the festival.
Event founder Mlindi Ntloko said he was pleased with the success of the inaugural event.
“Considering the fact that it is our first event, I am happy with the attendance,” he said.
Ntloko said his aim was to grow the event to the level of the annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. “Judging by the way people showed interest in this first event, it gives me hope that it’s going to grow bigger in the near future.”
He said the event gave a credible platform for upcoming artists to share the stage with artists like Sibongile Khumalo.
Speaking to the Dispatch after her vibrant renditions, the legendary Khumalo, of Mayihlome fame, said she was excited to be part of the stellar lineup. “The audience was amazing – very warm and very welcoming.
Buseka Sodlaka, a jazz fan who travelled from Mthatha to see “Mama Sibongile”, said she enjoyed every moment.
the venue doesn’t allow events to continue after 12.30am [which] meant we had to close the doors