Jazz lovers treated to a spectacular concert at Birchwood

Tuku headlined the star-studded line-up at the musical evening organised by the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, in association with the Ekurhuleni metro.

June 13, 2018

Fanie Mthupha 2 minutes read

24afjazz(15)_01492 — Oliver Mtukudzi and his band made the 17th anniversary celebration of the Birchwood Comes Alive Jazz Evening a memorable night.

Afro-jazz legend Oliver Mtukudzi captivated jazz fans with a mesmerising energetic performance during the 17th- anniversary celebration of the Birchwood Comes Alive Jazz Evening on June 8 at the Birchwood Hotel.

The musical evening kicked off with a superb performance by upcoming afro-pop songstress Naledi Brown who performed live some of her most popular tracks, including songs from her recently released debut album titled Buyel’ekhaya.

She handed the stage over to comedian Simphiwe Shembe who had the audience laughing and cheering throughout his performance.

It was then time for the opera-singing trio Agos Moahi, Given Mabena and Lucky Sibandan, knowns as The Afro Tenors. The trio took to the stage and delivered an excellent performance, offering a fusion of African tradition and European Opera.

They have also, during the event, collaborated with the headline act Tuku and delivered a powerful rendition of Pata Pata.

The trio also performed a range of songs including Asimbonanga which they said they were performing in honour of the late mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson Mandela and other South African anti-apartheid icons.

Representing South Africa at various international events, The Afro Tenors have so far shared the stage with a variety of local and international headliners.

Passionate about showcasing diversity, the group merges their love of opera with sounds reminiscent of local culture.

The 65-year-old legendary jazz musician Oliver Mtukudzi captivated the jazz fans with a mesmerising energetic performance during the 17th-anniversary celebration of the Birchwood Comes Alive Jazz Evening on June 8.

Comedians Elton Mduduzi followed and also breathed life into the gathering when he spiced it up with some humour, getting the strong crowd to cheer up.

After a compelling introduction by the master of ceremonies, Hector Motivator, Mtukudzi and his band took to the stage and made the event a memorable night as he entertained the crowd with his deep voice and lyrical masterpieces that reflect everyday struggles.

The star got the crowd on their feet and had them sing along and dance to his music throughout the show.

He performed some of his most popular and worldwide acclaimed tracks including Neria and Todii.

Known as the ‘grandmaster of traditional Zimbabwean pp’ the 65-year-old legendary jazz musician Tuku recently released his 67th album, titled Hany’ga (Concern).

Thank you @Birchwoodhotel #Jazz Festival for bringing Oliver Mtukudzi to Jozi todii, senzeni,what shall we do? Dance! Kurarana kuita madiro! To Live is to be free! Amen. @AfricansRising @WCOZIMBABWE @ZWRCNZimbabwe @GMCZimbabwe @janet_zeenat @SifisoDube pic.twitter.com/ECUQm3CT0v

— Colleen Lowe Morna (@clowemorna) June 9, 2018

15 June 2018:
65 year old Oliver Mtukudzi celebrates his 67 albums to date, with his old and new hit tracks. He will perform with his live band, The Blacks Spirits.https://t.co/gb6dyXS9nO pic.twitter.com/Wi2Ls0JjOt

— #ArtscapeTheatre (@ArtscapeTheatre) June 8, 2018

Not only was the strong crowd having fun but the acts seemed to be having the time of their lives during the event attended by lots of eminent people.

Tribute to Jazzman

The founder of the Birchwood Comes Alive Jazz Evening, Jazzman Mahlakgane, was also honoured during the 17th anniversary of the jazz evening.

He received an award and a huge celebratory cake to celebrate the anniversary.

“Every month, we are faced with the challenge of selecting our line-up from an ocean of African talent. It is so wonderful to see how the local music scene is rapidly growing, forming new genres and sounds that are both familiar and modern.

The Birchwood Comes Alive Jazz Evening is the brainchild of Jazzman Mahlakgane (left), who was during the 17th anniversary of the jazz evening honoured with an award and a huge celebratory cake. With him is Njabulo Mabuza (sales manager at Birchwood).

“We want to keep showcasing local storytellers and talent that inspires our nation to pursue their dreams and conquer any challenge,” said Jazzman Mahlakgane, who is also the director of The Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre.

Lucky jazz fans went home with prizes they received during the event.

For more information on the event or to book your seats for the upcoming Birchwood Comes Alive Jazz Evening contact Portia Rathebe on 011 897 0024, or email portiar@birchwoodhotel.co.za or visit www.birchwoodhotel.co.za. -@MthuphaFanie