Legendary musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse looks forward to returning to Mthatha after a 30-year hiatus.
The world-renowned veteran afropop and jazz musician will lead a long list of top South African artists set to perform at the fourth annual Mthatha Heritage Jazz Festival on September 26 at the Mthatha Sportsfield.
“It’s going to be havoc. We’re going to be rocking that place. We’re coming up with a fantastic line-up of songs for the audience,” he said.
Mabuse said his return was a “homecoming” that will take music fans down memory lane.
He last performed in Mthatha 30 years ago, with popular ’80s band Harare.
This means music fans will reminisce with signature songs like Jive Soweto and Burn Out on the evening.
“I’ve never been there as a solo artist,” said Mabuse.
“Harare always had good responses from the audiences in PE, East London and King William’s Town.
“We used to tour three to four times a year. I’m going back to the basis of my support. Fans will be reminded of the era of yesteryear.”
At 65, the 2005 South African Music awards lifetime achievement award recipient is still going strong, having performed classical opera at various concerts recently in Newtown, Johannesburg, and at last year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Mabuse also wants to collaborate with some of the young traditional musicians at the festival.
“All I can say is don’t miss it. It could be another 30 years,” he chuckled.
Festival director Thando Sapepa-Nogaga advised fans to bring their blankets and camp chairs for the outdoor affair, which begins at 2pm on Saturday and ends in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Part of the line-up are kwaito kings, Trompies, and a cappella group, The Soil.
Another veteran musician, Robbie Malinga, will for the first time perform Kwenzenjani, from his collaboration with soul artist Nai’ma Kay, famous for tracks such as Lelilanga and Umsebenzi.
On the homegrown talent front, Maskandi traditional artist Ntombe’thongo, and Xhosa music artists C’sana, Malizole and Snoux Poswa will also thrill fans.
This year’s Mthatha Heritage Jazz Festival, supported by the OR Tambo District Municipality and King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality, will actually be a four-day affair from September 24 to 27.
Festivities will kick-off on September 24 with a colourful cultural parade through the Mthatha CBD.
The next day, achievers in arts, business, politics, literature and sport in the region will be honoured for their role at a gala dinner and heritage award ceremony.
On the 26th, fitness enthusiasts will compete in an aerobic marathon at the Mthatha Country Club and take part in a Golf Day.
The events will wrap-up with a 5km and 21km marathon in Mthatha.
Tickets to the concert cost R200, or R500 for VIPs, and are available at Computicket, Shoprite and De’ Leulz International in Southernwood. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
Hotstix back in Mthatha
The world-renowned veteran afropop and jazz musician will lead a long list of top South African artists set to perform at the fourth annual Mthatha Heritage Jazz Festival on September 26 at the Mthatha Sportsfield.
“It’s going to be havoc. We’re going to be rocking that place. We’re coming up with a fantastic line-up of songs for the audience,” he said.
Mabuse said his return was a “homecoming” that will take music fans down memory lane.
He last performed in Mthatha 30 years ago, with popular ’80s band Harare.
This means music fans will reminisce with signature songs like Jive Soweto and Burn Out on the evening.
“I’ve never been there as a solo artist,” said Mabuse.
“Harare always had good responses from the audiences in PE, East London and King William’s Town.
“We used to tour three to four times a year. I’m going back to the basis of my support. Fans will be reminded of the era of yesteryear.”
At 65, the 2005 South African Music awards lifetime achievement award recipient is still going strong, having performed classical opera at various concerts recently in Newtown, Johannesburg, and at last year’s Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Mabuse also wants to collaborate with some of the young traditional musicians at the festival.
“All I can say is don’t miss it. It could be another 30 years,” he chuckled.
Festival director Thando Sapepa-Nogaga advised fans to bring their blankets and camp chairs for the outdoor affair, which begins at 2pm on Saturday and ends in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Part of the line-up are kwaito kings, Trompies, and a cappella group, The Soil.
Another veteran musician, Robbie Malinga, will for the first time perform Kwenzenjani, from his collaboration with soul artist Nai’ma Kay, famous for tracks such as Lelilanga and Umsebenzi.
On the homegrown talent front, Maskandi traditional artist Ntombe’thongo, and Xhosa music artists C’sana, Malizole and Snoux Poswa will also thrill fans.
This year’s Mthatha Heritage Jazz Festival, supported by the OR Tambo District Municipality and King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality, will actually be a four-day affair from September 24 to 27.
Festivities will kick-off on September 24 with a colourful cultural parade through the Mthatha CBD.
The next day, achievers in arts, business, politics, literature and sport in the region will be honoured for their role at a gala dinner and heritage award ceremony.
On the 26th, fitness enthusiasts will compete in an aerobic marathon at the Mthatha Country Club and take part in a Golf Day.
The events will wrap-up with a 5km and 21km marathon in Mthatha.
Tickets to the concert cost R200, or R500 for VIPs, and are available at Computicket, Shoprite and De’ Leulz International in Southernwood. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
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