Featuring the soulful sounds of acclaimed musician Vusi Mahlasela, the Africa Day concert at the Bassline had audiences in a full celebratory mood. Taking place on the eve of the actual Africa Day, the event had audiences dancing the night away on 24 May.
Also included in the stellar line-up were the likes of Tumi, Reason and Akale Wube, who all brought the house down with fresh and original African music.
According to Brad Holmes, owner and founder of the musical venue, hosting the prestigious concert was something the venue has done for the last decade.
“We started doing the Africa Day concert as a way of celebrating African music and the rich diversity of the continent,” he said.
He also explained that Bassline held the concert, and similar events, as a way to pay homage to African immigrants residing close to the venue in Newtown.
In addition to the exciting festivities brought by the concert, Bassline used the opportunity to unveil their newly-upgraded venue.
This, according to Holmes, was done in celebration of the venue’s 20-year anniversary. He added that the revamp was part of a plan to grow the establishment and continue hosting exciting events.
“In essence, we really wanted to put together a place that emulated our old venue which was in Melville, and one reflecting the ‘old’ bassline venue here,” he explained.
Bassline was established in September 1994 and Holmes promised that more events will be planned in the upcoming months to celebrate the anniversary.
“We always want people to enjoy themselves at the Bassline and keep coming back for more enjoyable music,” he said.
“What makes Bassline unique is the fact that we have content for everyone, people come here because they get to listen to their favourite band and enjoy the best of African music.”
