The heritage festival concluded with class as the Soweto Theatre hosted the music concert at the newly revamped, iconic amphitheatre venue. Characterized by the stunning airy spacious deco with an eclectic design elements of an African global appeal, majestically relaxed layout leading into the theatre complex red carpet laid into the red theatre venue, where General Manager Vincent Motau unleashed a program that treated guest to a screened documentary jointly narrated by art connoisseurs on the theatre’s milestone journey of 10 years.
Addressing the audience, Artistic Director James Ngcobo reflected on the milestone on how he directed the first ever suspense drama play offered at the theatre, the Suitcase that got good reviews featuring a cast of renowned actors. He cherished the artistic spaces that set up creative exhibitions in society and working with his colleagues at the theatre, he envisioned mentoring initiatives for young directors, set designers, light and sound designers, etc. He also recounted about his home town celebrity, the late legendary star, Kansas City whom he mentioned used to rave about the famous Jabulani Theatre back in the day.
The concert’s opening act, PJ Powers affectionately known as ‘Thandeka’ would make a milestone performance that signalled her return to the 3000 seater, venue 39 years later, with her famous hit ‘Feel strong’. With the crowd cheering, she made dance moves that would make oldies her age burn with envy. She made mention that as a musician especially during the dark past, she felt the warmest love from the people in Soweto.
The evergreen Papa and Blondie wooed the crowd with their unmatched soulful voices ever cuddling the local Soul R&B scene as they did throughout the years. And the all season, timeless star of Babsy Mlangeni boogied on down to his sultry jams that have always serenated romantic lovers for decades. Not to be left out were the Soul Brothers with their signature designer shirts, stunning hits and soulful voices that massaged the local airwaves for many years. Mama Abigail Kubeka reigned in the stage with the walking stick, cutting the sounds only a classic diva of her majestic magnitude can, and then some, an awesome mesmerising performer full of vigour and grace!
The legendary Sipho Hotstix Mabuse who know prefers to call himself ‘Hotsax’ reminisced about performing at the Jabulani Amphitheatre with his high school band, “The Beaters” and later on would perform with the likes of PJ Powers, Juluka, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Harare, Soul brothers, Blondie and Papa, some of the mega acts that performed on the day. He also envisions developing young musicians some of which took to stage during the live show.
Savouring the moment, Executive Mayor of Joburg, Dr Mpho Phalatse cut the symbolic cake in the company of theatre Executives. Being dubbed the Mayor of the Arts by her colleagues, she lamented the on the current struggles of artists and those that sadly passed on during the past few years. However, through her office, she promised to give a hand of support to the arts. What a fun filled jam of joy and dance, one could tell people have been hungry for such an entertaining outdoor treat with delectable fashion impressions, good drinks and friendly welcoming mannerisms, charm with a signature that is elegantly Sowetan! The hip and mature strutting original dance moves that left the youth in awe!
Jerry Sokhupe
