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Emmarentia Dam is the setting of the Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts, which start this weekend with the internationally acclaimed Senegalese musician, Ismaël Lô.
The sunset concerts are every Saturday until 15 March at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
THE annual Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts series kicks off this weekend on the banks of Emmarentia Dam, in northern Joburg.
In what organisers promise will be a regular humdinger of a party, the concerts – to be staged every Saturday at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens from 2 February until 15 March – boast a wide range of locally and internationally acclaimed musicians. They start at 3pm, although the gates open at 2pm, and run until 6pm, as the sun sets over Jozi.
Insurers Old Mutual sponsors the series; the first concert is being hosted with radio station Kaya FM and OppiKoppi Productions.
Music-loving Joburgers are urged to pack their picnic baskets and bring their families and friends to relax at the park, while listening to some sublime tunes.
"The concept behind the Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts series is to bring a new flavour to entertainment and performances in the summer months," says Karlien Kuun, the public relations officer of OppiKoppi Productions.
Performing at the first concert in the series is Senegalese megastar Ismaël Lô, complemented by several local musicians, including Afro-pop trio and Sama award winners Malaika, the budding Mpumi Dhlamini and the Rethabile Brass Band.
"Concertgoers can enjoy a lazy afternoon in a beautiful setting while enjoying a picnic with good friends and company and being entertained till sunset," Kuun notes.
Other artists lined up for the series include HHP, The Parlotones, Vusi Mahlasela, Arno Carstens, Louise Carver and the Old Mutual Choral Encounter.
"The annual Old Mutual Encounters Summer Concerts series … brings you a celebration of some of Africa's brightest shining stars," reads a statement on the Kaya FM website.
Lô plays a wide range of instruments, and counts among his diverse influences the Wolof and Mandingo cultures of West Africa, R&B, folk and soul music. With his modern mbalax sound, he is a songwriter who uses his vision and experience to be a voice for modern Africa.
A painter and actor as well as a musician, Lô aims to raise awareness of social issues, including HIV/Aids. "Ismaël Lô's performance is not one you want to miss … see what the hype is about, if you do not know already," Kuun adds.
"The Encounters series [hosted in association with Kaya FM] will soon be an annual tradition in Johannesburg that aims to celebrate diversity in music," reads a press statement from the radio station. "[It] is about experiencing something of the world of others, sharing in our diverse musical tastes, touching the diverse creative pulse of others, and embracing the vision of a shared identity."
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens will be closed from 9am on concert Saturdays to the general public. Parking will be available for concert-goers on Thomas Bowler Road only. There will be a safe play area for children accompanying adults to the concert. But concert-goers may not start fires, braai or bring glasses; there will be a cash bar open on the days.
The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts series is an annual event hosted by Old Mutual in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Tickets are R100 for adults and R50 for children and students with student cards. They are available from all Mr Price stores, online on the Ticket Connection website
or at the gate.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are at Emmarentia Dam, in Emmarentia. If you are coming on the N1 South, take the Beyers Naude Drive offramp, turn left and go straight towards Roosevelt Park. Emmarentia Dam is opposite Westpark Cemetery. If you are coming on the N1 North, take the Beyers Naude Drive offramp, turn right and go straight towards Roosevelt Park. Emmarentia Dam is opposite Westpark Cemetery.
For more information about the first concert in the series, contact Karlien Kuun of OppiKoppi Productions on 012 346 2011, fax 012 460 7431, or email
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