Time to unwind with some velvety jazz
POPULAR Durban Jazz lounge, The Jazzy Rainbow, in association with Concerts SA, features two of South Africa’s promising young performers in concert next weekend.
On Friday, August 24, aspiring bass player from Limpopo, Solomon King Riba, takes to the stage. Currently studying at the University of KwaZuluNatal, majoring in jazz and popular music, Riba has played with greats in the jazz and gospel industry and has been part of workshops, teaching kids jazz and the technique of improvisation in connection with iSupport Music Business.
This show, his first headline show, is called 24 Years of Existence. He will be accompanied by Obakeng Thamage on piano, Freeman Gumede on bass, Lesedi Thloloe on drums, Kgethi Nkotsi on trombone and Sinalo Zulu on trumpet. His vocalists for the night are Andiswa Maduna (soprano), Nomthandazo Madiya (alto) and Sanele Khubisa (tenor).
“I am very happy to present the music that has been in my heart all these years,” he said.
The concert starts at 7pm. Tickets are R50 at the door, including a free drink for students.
On Saturday, August 25, the jazz lounge hosts Simthandile Mtolo, who has more than a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, as a performer and live entertainer. She began her career in Grade 11, at Kingsway High School – where she landed her first role in the musical Oliver, directed by the late Themi Venturas and staged at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. The following year she starred in Fiddler on the Roof and landed great support and leading roles in productions such as My Fair Lady (2009), Man Of La Mancha (2010) and Mashu The Musical (2015).
Mtolo studied at UKZN’s school of music and has performed at The Fifa Fan Parks, The Durban Business Fair Gala Dinner, The Hazelmere Dam Jazz Festival, as well as winning the East Coast Radio’s Be The Band Competition. She has shared the stage with Prime Circle, Thandiswa Mazwai and Mafikizolo.
The concert starts at 7pm. Tickets are R80 at the door, including a free drink. Call 031 303 8398 or email jazzyrainbow @mweb.co.za. – Staff Reporter