It's all systems go for this year’s Mnquma Jazz Arts and Culture Festival in Butterworth at the weekend.
Boasting a wide range of music genres, including jazz, gospel, house and maskandi, the event, which is expected to draw throngs of music lovers, will start at 1pm on Saturday at Gcuwa Dam. The Daily Dispatch is a media sponsor.
Popular artists and groups such as legendary jazz players Jonas Gwangwa and Ringo Madlingozi and Naakmusic will be performing. Others expected on the day include KwaBhaca-born singer Lilitha, DJ Pastor, DJ PK, Afrotraction, and Big Dreamers Amawele KaMamtshawe.
Speaking to the Dispatch this week, organiser Nkosifikile Gqomo of Nophemba Holding said everything was in place.
“The only hindrance which is a shock to us is the passing away of our artist Sfiso Ncwane who was among those that were going to perform.
“Ncwane was in the line-up last year, but could not perform although he attended the event. After finding out that he was going to perform later he had to leave as he was going to attend his brother’s funeral in KwaZulu-Natal the following day.”
Gqomo said Ncwane visited Mnquma Municipality last month to apologise for last year and pledged to make it up. However, he died on Monday after suffering kidney failure.
“During the show we will make a special tribute to him. We are now busy consulting with various artists that were close to him that will be part of the tribute,” he said.
Gqomo said the event was the brainchild of the Mnquma municipality and its aim was to encourage visitors in the area.
The show has in the past seen top South African artists like Simphiwe Dana, Nathi Mankayi and Thandiswa Mazwai descend on Butterworth to entertain fans.
Lilitha Bidla, who is performing this year, said she was happy to be part of the event.
“I am excited and I am looking forward to giving people of Butterworth the best. My band and I are ready to blow them away,” she said. — sinom@dispatch.co.za
Legendary muso's songs to light up Butterworth
Boasting a wide range of music genres, including jazz, gospel, house and maskandi, the event, which is expected to draw throngs of music lovers, will start at 1pm on Saturday at Gcuwa Dam. The Daily Dispatch is a media sponsor.
Popular artists and groups such as legendary jazz players Jonas Gwangwa and Ringo Madlingozi and Naakmusic will be performing. Others expected on the day include KwaBhaca-born singer Lilitha, DJ Pastor, DJ PK, Afrotraction, and Big Dreamers Amawele KaMamtshawe.
Speaking to the Dispatch this week, organiser Nkosifikile Gqomo of Nophemba Holding said everything was in place.
“The only hindrance which is a shock to us is the passing away of our artist Sfiso Ncwane who was among those that were going to perform.
“Ncwane was in the line-up last year, but could not perform although he attended the event. After finding out that he was going to perform later he had to leave as he was going to attend his brother’s funeral in KwaZulu-Natal the following day.”
Gqomo said Ncwane visited Mnquma Municipality last month to apologise for last year and pledged to make it up. However, he died on Monday after suffering kidney failure.
“During the show we will make a special tribute to him. We are now busy consulting with various artists that were close to him that will be part of the tribute,” he said.
Gqomo said the event was the brainchild of the Mnquma municipality and its aim was to encourage visitors in the area.
The show has in the past seen top South African artists like Simphiwe Dana, Nathi Mankayi and Thandiswa Mazwai descend on Butterworth to entertain fans.
Lilitha Bidla, who is performing this year, said she was happy to be part of the event.
“I am excited and I am looking forward to giving people of Butterworth the best. My band and I are ready to blow them away,” she said. — sinom@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos