Music lovers gathered in their thousands at Butterworth’s Gcuwa Dam on Saturday night for the Mnquma Jazz, Arts and Culture festival.Top South African artists such as Thembisile Ntaka, Selaelo Selota and Thandiswa Mazwai delivered a splendid performance and had fans falling under their spell.
Other artists who wowed the crowds included Jessica Mbangeni and gospel and maskandi couple Butho and Yolanda Vuthela, who turned the venue into a place of worship with songs like Ewe Nkosi and Dwala Lam to mention a few.
Disappointing for some was that gospel singer S’fiso Ncwane of Kulungile fame did not perform. He went on stage to greet fans before rushing to his brother’s funeral in KwaZulu-Natal. “They say I will perform after two artists, but I will not be able to wait,” he said.
Nathi Mankayi then took the stage. His manager Lance Stehr said they were due in Port Elizabeth. “After that we are going to Johannesburg then Limpopo, ” he said.
Mazwai’s performance showed why she is rated among the best and most influential musicians of our time.
Accompanied by her unique though traditional moves, Mazwai gave an electrifying performance.
Her fans sang along to popular songs like Ndizalwa Ngoobani and Yindaba Kabani.
Talking before the show Mazwai said every time she went on stage it felt like the first time. “I am always nervous, and I always want to do my best. Tonight was one of those nights.
“I am excited that I am part of the line-up again this year.
“Last year we were here and we had a wonderful time, and this year it is much bigger than last year.”
Event organiser Nkosifikile Gqobo said Saturday’s event exceeded their expectations.
“I think the aggressive marketing we embarked on has paid off and the partnership we have with the best media house in this country, the Daily Dispatch.
“We are building towards putting on the national map. Look at the audience – the dam was almost packed,” he said.
Mnquma local municipality mayor Baba Ganjana said they decided to make the event an annual one, outlining his vision: “Because Mnquma local municipality is one of the smaller municipalities with a relatively small economy, we need to strive for empowering tourism and heritage events to boost our economy.”
Top artists bring house down at festival
Top South African artists such as Thembisile Ntaka, Selaelo Selota and Thandiswa Mazwai delivered a splendid performance and had fans falling under their spell.
Other artists who wowed the crowds included Jessica Mbangeni and gospel and maskandi couple Butho and Yolanda Vuthela, who turned the venue into a place of worship with songs like Ewe Nkosi and Dwala Lam to mention a few.
Disappointing for some was that gospel singer S’fiso Ncwane of Kulungile fame did not perform. He went on stage to greet fans before rushing to his brother’s funeral in KwaZulu-Natal. “They say I will perform after two artists, but I will not be able to wait,” he said.
Nathi Mankayi then took the stage. His manager Lance Stehr said they were due in Port Elizabeth. “After that we are going to Johannesburg then Limpopo, ” he said.
Mazwai’s performance showed why she is rated among the best and most influential musicians of our time.
Accompanied by her unique though traditional moves, Mazwai gave an electrifying performance.
Her fans sang along to popular songs like Ndizalwa Ngoobani and Yindaba Kabani.
Talking before the show Mazwai said every time she went on stage it felt like the first time. “I am always nervous, and I always want to do my best. Tonight was one of those nights.
“I am excited that I am part of the line-up again this year.
“Last year we were here and we had a wonderful time, and this year it is much bigger than last year.”
Event organiser Nkosifikile Gqobo said Saturday’s event exceeded their expectations.
“I think the aggressive marketing we embarked on has paid off and the partnership we have with the best media house in this country, the Daily Dispatch.
“We are building towards putting on the national map. Look at the audience – the dam was almost packed,” he said.
Mnquma local municipality mayor Baba Ganjana said they decided to make the event an annual one, outlining his vision: “Because Mnquma local municipality is one of the smaller municipalities with a relatively small economy, we need to strive for empowering tourism and heritage events to boost our economy.”
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