|
The annual Jazz at the Lake
was again a spectacular affair, with the beautiful Jozi sunshine coming to the
party.
GRIPPED by festival fever, loads of
revellers jammed Zoo Lake in Parkview yesterday for Jazz on the Lake, one of Joburg's most anticipated events.
The festival atmosphere at Zoo Lake
Held each year on the first Sunday in
September as part of the Arts Alive International Festival, it has been to a
giant street party with people of all ages coming to listen to a range of live
jazz throughout the day.
Sunday's sunny skies meant a record turnout
as musicians such as Susheela Raman, Spok Frevo Orchestra, Omar Pene and Zulu
played to a packed audience. Complemented by a magical atmosphere and a
stunning venue, the festival ensured a euphoric start to the season.
Artists
Brazilian 17-piece, SpokFevro Orchestra, put on an intensely interactive and
truly astounding show that energised the crowd and will surely give them
something to talk about for months to come.
Inaldo Cavalcante de Albuquerque, the
conductor, explained to the crowd that the band's music conveyed the rhythms of
Brazil's
northeastern region. "It's a great pleasure playing in such a place. Thank you,
Africa for shaping our music," he said.
Video: What we had to say about Jazz on the Lake
Joburg Arts Alive festival-goers had much praise for the day-long Jazz on the Lake. Click here
|
Dynamic British-Tamil musician, Susheela Raman,
met everyone's expectations. The echoes of her haunting middle-eastern jazz
fusion filled the atmosphere as Raman added various traditional instruments. Her
alluring hybrid of oriental passion and charming jazz was an eye opener to many
who had never experienced that type of jazz before.
Next up was the charismatic Zuluboy. Clad
in Zulu headgear and a pair of multicoloured shorts, Zuluboy stormed the stage
with his unique style of classical fusion of ethnocentric sounds and hip-hop. He
enthralled the crowd with a variety of his songs, jazzed up with catchy upbeat
rhythms that had people tapping on their feet and waving their hands wildly in
the air.
The charismatic Zuluboy
Suitably warmed by Zuluboy, the audience
welcomed Selaelo Selota. A favourite of Joburg's jazz aficionados, he did not
disappoint, delivering a polished performance in his inimitable easy-going
manner. Coupled with his unforgettable husky voice and acute sense of melodic
and rhythmic sounds, Selota gave jazz his own interpretation.
And then it was time for Omar Pene, the lead
singer of Super Diamono. Pene treated the attentive crowd to a wide selection of
songs, and was followed by Tsepo Tshola, closed the festival with a sensational
performance.
Jackie Sibanda, just one of the many happy
people at the show, said Zoo
Lake was a great venue.
She hoped that next year would be bigger and better.
"It was incredible; the musicians were so
amazing," Sibanda said. "I think this is the best year yet."
Related stories:
|
