JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Democracy comes of age in a star-laden series of musical celebrations on – fittingly – The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre from March 26 to April 12.
In 2014, to mark two decades since South Africa’s first democratic elections, the theatre hosted a successful run of Anthems of Democracy, featuring the talents of Joan Armatrading, Bright Blue, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and the Soweto Gospel Choir among others.
That concept has been updated and expanded, with 21 Songs for 21 Years of Democracy comprising 21 landmark musical moments, songs that have made their mark on the South African landscape in the last 21 years.
Over the course of a dozen performances, home-grown icons will line up alongside artists currently causing a buzz, all backed by a fantastic house band. All sets will feature tributes to legends Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba and Lucky Dube, as well as gospel and Afrikaans music medleys, a representation of the rich palette of local artistry.
The list of performers, which is subject to change, is as follows: Thursday March 26 – Johnny Clegg, Steve Kekana and Kurt Darren. Friday March 27– Jesse Clegg and Zwai Bala. Saturday March 28 – Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse and Ziyon. Sunday March 29 – Jesse Clegg and Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse.
Thursday April 2 – Ray Phiri and Lemmy Special. Saturday April 4 – Abigail Kubheka and Dorothy Masuku. Sunday April 5 – Steve Kekana and PJ Powers. Monday April 6 – Sipho Mabuse and Mohotella Queens. Thursday April 9 – Jesse Clegg, Mi Casa and Ziyon. Friday April 10 – Yvone Chaka Chaka and Soul Brothers. Saturday April 11 – Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Vusi Mahlasela. Sunday April 12 – Johnny Clegg, Vusi Mahlasela and PJ Powers.
Lemmy Special Mabaso (on the pennywhistle), Mbali Ngidi (performing a Brenda Fassie tribute) and Buhle Mhanie (performing a Miriam Makeba tribute) will be some of the exciting talents joining this illustrious list.
“We would like this to become an annual event,” says Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres.
Tickets for 21 Songs for 21 years of Democracy accessibly priced from R100 to R250, are now on sale at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670.
Shows are at 19:30 from Thursdays to Saturdays, 15:00 on Sundays, and 15:00 on the public holiday on Monday April 6.
