Celebrating Mama Africa crowns Joy of Jazz Festival
Africa’s biggest Jazz Festival, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz ended off Women’s Month by celebrating the life and legacy of the late Miriam Makeba at The View Boutique Hotel.
The event was a milestone celebration on the journey to the 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, which takes place later this month at the Sandton Convention Centre.
In a manner of speaking, alegion of women in the arts came together to reflect, share, pray and celebrate one another in memory of one of the greatest creative women in living memory.
Shwa must say it was not such a good idea to hold the event outdoors. We are not yet fully in spring, and as a result, Shwa was freezing.
Also, what is it with event organisers not warming up to the idea of serving guests a pot of soup or a cup of tea? Is tea out of fashion? One would expect that for an event of this calibre there would be some rooibos-nyana.
Back to the lady of the moment, Miriam Makeba.
This mama deserved our accolades. She made major moves around the world during her era, found a unique way to use her artistry to campaign for human rights, and to speak against apartheid and colonialism.
She was exiled from the country of her birth for 30 years.
However, through her tenacity and work, she would be granted nine passports and honorary citizenship in 10 countries.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka was meant to speak about Makeba and her time with her. For some time she did, but then started rambling and verbally assaulted Shwashwi.
Bathong! Nana, I’ll have you know Shwa is an activist for women power.
Did you want to shine at the expense of Shwa-shwi? Don’t hate, appreciate, darling.
Shwa also saw the legendary actress Motshabi Tyelele chilling with Rami Chuene. The two were smiling and dancing like there was no tomorrow.
Rami, that hairstyle? Are you happy with your choice because wow? That silver greyish masonja looking hairstyle is not the one.
You’ve always been the queen of fab, please don’t disappoint us now.
The celebration featured the incredible Simphiwe Dana. Shwa must say Dana really has a soothing voice that makes you want to keep listening.
Her talent is not appreciated enough.
If only people would realise she is as great as Mama Makeba.
Zenzi Makeba-Lee, the granddaughter of the late great Mama Africa, led performances of some of the iconic songs that defined her legendary career. Beautiful!
Along with the musical performances, the celebrations included the Mama Miriam’s Aluta Continua exhibition and screening of her historic 1963 speech at the United Nations. July marked the 60th anniversary of that momentous occasion.
Shwa also got to witness an exhibition of some of the iconic garments, headgear and accessories worn by Makeba over the years. She was a real style icon.
Some of these will be recreated by artist and illustrator, Sonny Nkumeleni, to celebrate Mama Africa’s regal sense of style.
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