Mall patrons at the Jabulani mall were treated to a jazz delight as they walked round the centre court that was a stage of an eclectic beats and dance moves by the Phil n T’s afro jazz band from Meadowlands. Shoppers young and old clad in cultural attires, some manouvering shopping trolleys accompanied by families and friends, graced the annual performance by the band in a significant day filled with the spring ambience in celebrating the heritage day 24 of September 2024 with style and aplomb.
An occasion that bore high energies and pride filled day that transcends what it truly means to be a mzansi citizen! Apart from the many challenges that people face on a daily, shoppers were reminded of the rich traditional offerings that our fundamental African origins can proudly present, and that includes our unique music that is immensely cemented in the global echelons.
The jazz group boasted traditional beats, and some of the hit songs by our own music greats. Great musical arrangements and vocals by the group, a truly professional setup that kept the audience hooked, with sing alongs to the sultry tunes across the ages spectrum, foot-tapping by those enjoying a meal from nearby restaurants with hand-claps of appreciation while some captured the tunes using their cell phones. Not to be left behind, some of the tenant stores took advantage of the event by promoting their product offerings with prize wins for shoppers.
The spectacular band members are, Saki Megalane on trumpet, Tumelo Sello on drums, relatives; Phillemon Manana on keyboards, Sonnyboy Manana on base, Joe Manana on keyboards, Tsietsi Tshweunyane – lead guitar, on vocals, Emily Molatedi and Ntombi Nyathi, Daluxolo Tunzi is the band leader and recorded artist on sax and vocals. Saki from Dobsonville joined the band during the year 2008 mentions that he’s the youngest member and representative of the new generation in the long playing band.
Saki further mentioned that the band plays in various events such as festivals, jazz clubs, local pubs, weddings and related celebratory gatherings as per invite. As a young member of the group he relates that he’s been tasked with the marketing and social platform for the group. They can be contacted on 073 576 7513. Facebook; Phil n T’s afro jazz band.
The Jazz Diva
Emily Molatedi, the legendary lead vocalist supreme who’s voice could melt one’s heart in any occasion is also sister to the legendary Chippa Molatedi, captivated her audience with the powerful diverse lyrical song renditions. From the mellow jazz soul to African chants and that reverberates with the drum beats! And her dance moves, wow she can make young performers gaze with awe and wonder at as her majestic quest on stage mesmerises the audience!
The eldest from the family of eight Emily proudly shared about the roots of her illustrious musical career, mentioning that, she started out her musical journey at the iconic Dorkay House, Joburg’s own Motown. “As the youngest upcoming artist I was introduced to the music showbiz by the great Thandie klaasen and fondly bra Ntemi Piliso, the likes of the spectacular Dorothy Masuka and the dynamic Dolly Rathebe. I joined them on their musical tours overseas and consequently became part of the Dorkay house band with the likes of Bobo Mogotsi, Carlton Maleti and others.”
“I never looked back, as we travelled around Africa, showcasing our musical offerings in places like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania and more.” Coming back from her tours, her musical career developed and she would eventually join the Siyakholwa band that performed mostly at the Carlton hotel in the Joburg CBD. “And when the hotel finally was shut own, I joined the ‘Basadi Women of Jazz’ band as the lead singer. It was quite a delight and quite a mysterious experience working with women and I really look back with nostalgia reminiscing about those fabulous, memorable times.”
“Later after I left the group, I set sail to grow a bigger ambition by establishing my own band “Emza and Friends” during the year 2008.” But prior to that she had met up with bra Phil Manana, her current band leader at a jam session. She’s currently working working on a legacy album and she’s chuffed that people still love and embrace her music that has mellowed like sweet wine. Jazz and popular music fans both young and old from many corners look forward to the launch of Emz’s new album. Thumbs-up to the spectacular, hip, timeless and upwardly mobile musical diva!
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
