Mabandla to honour Masekela at festival
AFRO-FOLK singer Bongeziwe Mabandla will join an eclectic group of artists as they headline the fourth annual Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival at Elkah Stadium on Saturday.
Mabandla, who incorporates isiXhosa lyrics with traditional music and folk styles, has always had a love for music.
“The radio was my best friend for a long time. It was only much later in my life that I decided I wanted to get into music.”
Afro-folk was of specific interest because he was heavily influenced by the likes of Tracy Chapman, Vusi Mahlasela and Jabu Khanyile.
“I’ve always loved that folk feeling and the feeling it gives you in your heart and soul,” said the musician, who released his debut album in 2012.
For the festival, he will be playing with the band he worked with on his latest album, Mangaliso.
“A lot of people haven’t seen this modern, urban, experimental set-up. It’s a lot like the album – people can expect a creative artistic set. It will be a new interpretation of my music,” he said.
Masekela was set to headline the festival in a special collaboration with the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi. However, after his announcement of his prostate cancer diagnosis, the musical icon will no longer perform and will instead be honoured at the event.
Masekela’s friendship with Mtukudzi dates back to 1982. The icon had an interview with 702’s Azania Mosaka earlier this week and said he met Mtukudzi during his first tour in Zimbabwe when playing in Bulawayo. “I had heard his records and was excited when he came on stage.”
Masekela added that in the last 10 years their relationship had grown into a brotherhood.
The trumpeter said this festival was a “no borders” themed event. “I chose this because it covers everybody… It’s through heritage that I have come so far. It’s a ‘no borders’ festival because it has people of different ethnic groupings, and the audiences are also a mix.”
Mtukudzi and Papa Penny will bring riveting performances to the event, sponsored by Assupol.
Mabandla will join the likes of indie band Bye Beneco, soul reggae group Johnny Cradle, hip hop star Riky Rick and songbird Zoe Modiga on stage.
Early bird tickets: R80 at Computicket, R150 at the gate, R50 for pensioners.
@mane_mpi The Star is giving away 10 double tickets to lucky readers to attend the Hugh Masekela Heritage Festival on Saturday. To enter, SMS STAR (SPACE) #HERITAGEFEST followed by your name, surname and email address to 45607. Ts & Cs apply. SMSes costs R1.50. Winners will be contacted by phone.