Thousands of Joburgers flocked to Zoo Lake’s Jazz Festival to celebrate a new season with the world’s best musical icons on 4 September.
The annual free concert, which forms part of the Joburg Arts Alive International Festival, was held at the James and Athol Gray Park in Birdhaven last year due to a double booking with a cycling race.
This year, back at Zoo Lake, the festival attracted jazz enthusiasts in their numbers with a line-up that included legendary Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat world icon Fela Kuti, with his 13-piece band Egypt 80 and Paco Sery who is considered one of the world’s best drummers.
Local acts included award-winning Afro-soul musician, Nathi Mankayi of the popular Nomvula track; Afro-pop group, Mafikizolo; as well as Lesedi Ntsane, South African jazz trumpeter, with his band The Azanian People’s Movement.
Fresh from New York, Ntsane said it was the first time he had participated in the international festival, adding that it had an electric atmosphere. “I loved performing for such a crowd. I enjoyed performing here today and it would be great to be part of this amazing event again,” said the trumpeter.
“It’s been awesome.”
The crowd received all performers with much appreciation, but Seun Kuti, who was the main act of the festival, stole the hearts of many with his unique dance moves and revolutionary lyrics accompanied by African beats.
Mankanyi was also a hit with the locals, and the ever-popular Mafikizolo closed the festival on a high, leaving the crowd wanting more.
Police were visible throughout the day and managed to everything under control.
Arts Alive festival manager, Roshnie Moonsammy, said Jazz on the Lake 2016 was a great success. She said no major incidents were reported during the event and that the audience was particularly peace loving. “The official audience count was 14 000 people,” said Moonsammy.
“The diverse musical line-up featuring homegrown and international acts stimulated cultural tastes, satisfied fans and affirmed Joburg as a cultural city.”
WATCH: Mafikizolo perform at the festival:
Like our Facebook page, Rosebank Killarney Gazette or follow @RK_Gazette to watch more highlights of the festival.
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