R&B star heads for Bay
R&B star Syleena Johnson heads for Bay music festival
SHE dominated the radio airwaves with her hit track I Am Your Woman back in 2002 and now American R&B singing sensation Syleena Johnson is heading to Port Elizabeth to perform at the fifth annual Ebubeleni Music Festival at the Aldo Scribante Racetrack next Friday, December 30.
Johnson, who is no stranger to South Africa, said she was looking forward to being back in the “motherland”.
She said she was looking forward to performing for a country with a rich historic culture and a love of R&B.
When asked if she had expected I Am Your Woman to become the global hit it was, Johnson responded that she had not, but was pleasantly surprised to see the worldwide reception to it.
“Even though I did not write I Am Your Woman, R Kelly did, it was based on my personal situation at the time,” Johnson said.
Even though Johnson and the award-winning Kelly worked on the single that catapulted Johnson onto the international stage, the artists have since parted ways, something Johnson attributes to not seeing eye to eye with the You Saved Me singer.
“Our musical vision was not in alignment but he is still and always will be the King of R&B,” she said.
Johnson posted a video on Instagram sharing her excitement about her upcoming performance, encouraging fans to get their tickets.
“I cannot wait to get to Port Elizabeth,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ebubeleni Music Festival organiser Tembi Mahambehlala emphasised transport would not be an issue for the event and urged festival goers who plan on driving to use Uber instead.
“We’ve partnered with Uber and encourage people to rather leave their cars at home so they can enjoy themselves,” Mahambehlala said.
“The first ride [for first-time Uber users] is free up to the value of R100.”
The Ebubeleni Music Festival has also partnered with taxi associations, which have agreed to be at Embizweni in New Brighton, Kwa Qeqe in Zwide, Dopparoz in Seyisi, eGarage between KwaDwesi and KwaMagxaki, the Motherwell Shopping Centre and the Terminus taxi rank in town.
This year’s acts will include Mafikizolo, Tsepo Tshola, Ringo Madlingozi, Monique Bingham, TiMO ODV, Musa, Fifi Cooper, Emtee, Babes Wodumo, Vusi Nova, Phinda Matlala and NaakMusiQ.
Gates will open at 12pm and tickets are available at Computicket for R200 (general), R250 (golden circle) and R700 (VIP).