Johannesburg – I love things, especially when there is no violence, so I avoided Midrand and the Pan African parliament (PAP).
Instead I went to check out the Joburg Theatre which celebrated Africa Month with an amazing concert featuring various African artists from around the continent.
The “Remembering Tuku Concert” was a blast; everyone social distanced, sanitised and got ready to be wowed – and wowed we were.
The concert started with the amazing Latozi “Madosini” Mpahleni in Xhosa gear playing indigenous instruments that made one forget about the 4IR. She was followed by an older Vusi Mahlasela using a walking stick, which clearly affected the audience that was heard feeling sorry for him.
But as soon as he sat down on stage, the crowd was jiving as if it was 1985. They loved him so much he even received a standing ovation.
The audience sang along to Ami Faku and her live band, but the magic really started when Selmor Mtukudzi (Oliver Mtukudzi’s daughter) and her band made us feel like it was New Year’s Eve. The entire theatre was dancing, I even spotted Mam Riah Phiyega swaying away as if reminiscing about summer.
We enjoyed new and old songs and I thanked the Lord for the intermission as the good music had affected social distancing. In the auditorium, I walked past actor Vusi Kunene, who is the best male actor in the country. Yummy and drama-free too, unlike those thespians known to demand furniture from exes. Spott ed Shane Maja looking like Ghana.
I must say I was impressed by the African attire worn by most of the guests, from Joburg Theatre CEO Xoliswa Ngema, who looked regal in a mustard Xhosa attire to Sonwabile Ndamase, who arrived in his trademark African suits.
The place was buzzing in fabric from Belgium to England. Spotted PR guru Mr Simphiwe Majola with his perm and perfect teeth acting like a host. I wondered how long it took to tong his hair.
We danced the night away to more African sounds by Selmor Mtukudzi and yes, Joburg Theatre, keep inviting us to enjoy the talents from the Motherland. Great job guys and it was great to see Judith Sephuma’s ex looking so good.
No, not the singer, but the photographer ex-husband. Oh, and I must confess that I loved the support the Joburg Theatre gave to informal traders by giving them space in their theatre. Rest in peace Oliver. Africans might not be united at PAP but Joburg Theatre made up for their unsavoury behaviour.
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