Johannesburg Zoo hosted Jazz in the lights festival

Artists who took the stage by storm included: Neo Mabena, Mdu Mtshali and Stogie T.

March 17, 2023

Asanda Matlhare 1 minute read

Badu Lebeko, Sue Wesi and Selina Molapo dance to performances at the Jazz in the Lights festival. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

Jazz lovers danced to the beat of their hearts at the Johannesburg Zoo for Jazz in the Lights festival on March 12.

City of Johannesburg’s director of arts, culture and heritage, Vuyisile Mushudulu said the festival was to create economic opportunities for artists and creative enterprises across the value chain of the music industry.

Pinki Melato enjoys performances at the Jazz in the Lights festival. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

“The past two years had a significant yet adverse impact on the arts industry. Jazz in the Lights music festival creates an opportunity for music lovers across Johannesburg and other parts of the province to once again experience the magic of live music performances.”

The festival included a compelling lineup of artists, such as Samthing Soweto, Mandisi Dyantyis, Stogie T, African Jazz Pioneers and the Mahotella Queens.

Mathapelo Lekubu and Angel Mahlangu are all smiles with: Rethabile Lekubu and Boitumelo Mahlangu.

Mushudulu added that while the musical experience was the highlight of the event, it has been curated so that families could enjoy a variety of activities for all ages.

“As part of the Arts Alive Festival’s partnership with the zoo, families will have the freedom of movement to explore and view the animals in the zoo and to also participate in all the other experiences the zoo has to offer. These include the farmyard where children can see and touch friendly farm animals and the education centre where families can get up close and personal with lions and tigers.”

Charles Deh and Hope Lumor enjoy performances at the Jazz in the Lights festival. Photo: Asanda Matlhare

The MMC for Community Development, Lubabalo Magwentshu, said he was pleased that Arts Alive was able to restore the status of Joburg as the economic hub of the country and the continent.