Red-hot muso line-up for Ugu fest
HE SIXTH annual Ugu Jazz Festival is upon us and more than 20 international and SA musicians will perform throughout Saturday night at the state-of-the-art Ugu Sport and Leisure Centre in Port Shepstone.
The exciting line-up includes some of the best artists of our time: Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Ringo Madlingozi, Olivier Mtukudzi, Siphokazi, Stimela, Micasa, Zakes Bantwini, Sisanda, Bongani Mkhwanyana, Futhi Mohlasela, Nomalanga, Tender Mavundla and Mbongeni Ngema.
In an exclusive interview with Tonight, Lira, Madlingozi and Mazwai explained how they felt about being the headlining acts of the festival.
“It is always a challenge and an honour to be selected from the pool of great South African musicians. I am blessed that I am still relevant after all these years,” said Cape Town-based singer, producer and songwriter Madlingozi.
“The Ugu Jazz Festival is one of the musical gatherings I always look forward to being a part of.”
He is working on his 14th album, but, he said, the best part of being a musician is performing live: “Performing for lovers of my music is the best feeling. I always enjoy working and watching other players doing their thing.”
Platinum-selling Afrosoul artist Lira is thrilled to be a part of such a big festival in Durban.
“There’s always been an incredible turnout at the festival. It was quite awesome in Durban the last few times I performed.
“It’s great that they have included international acts as well; it just goes to show that Ugu is growing and it is wonderful that the festival is taking it to another level.”
Lira is finalising her DVD recorded while on tour and will attend the BET (Black Entertainment Television) awards this year as she’s been nominated alongside Kanye West and Beyoncé.
Lira also plans to release a new album in the US soon: “I will focus on promoting my international career, but I have no intention to lose my country in the process, or where I come from.”
Born in the Transkei, the award-winning Mazwai said she was very excited to reconnect with her fans at the Ugu Jazz Festival.
With an mix of traditional SA music (specifically Xhosa and Zulu) blended with reggae and funk, she said her music was socially conscious and political and at times very personal and spiritual.
Speaking of her plans as a musician, the Afropop vocalist said: “Right now, I am just touring and trying to fit in some writing for my next album. I am also getting ready for a major tour with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo (the Graceland tour). I plan to keep making music and getting better at it. I’ve started writing so in about a year or so I should have an album.”
According to Mazwai, people can expect “great music and great vibes” at this year’s festival.
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