Thousands of Jozi revellers grace Jazz on the Lake

05 September 2016

 

Throngs of Johannesburg residents welcomed spring in style when they attended the highly entertaining and star-studded Jazz on the Lake concert at Zoo Lake in Parktown on Sunday, September 4. 

 

Among the revellers were Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba.

The concert marked the start of the annual three-week Arts Alive International Festival, which brings with it a programme packed with music, poetry, dance and performing arts. Music lovers were treated to some of the best offerings from both home-grown and international talent.

Mayor Mashaba, who was attending Jazz on the Lake for the first time, said he was highly impressed.

“This is my first social event of the City since I took office. It makes me happy to see residents having a good time with their families and friends in a responsible way,” Mayor Mashaba said.

He said the City was looking to providing more facilities in various communities to promote arts and culture and expose children to different art forms.

“We need to ensure that this is more than just a one-day event. As a City, we need to show tourists how to have fun the Joburg way so we can attract even more tourists to our beautiful city and explore its pleasures,” he said.

Cllr Sifumba said it was refreshing to see Johannesburg residents relaxed and having a good time at Jazz on the Lake.

“We’re looking forward to the rest of the Arts Alive programme,” she said.

High-energy drummer Paco Sery lit up the stage with his amazing drumming skills. The crowd went wild when multiple Sama-award winner and Afro-soul singing sensation Nathi Makanyi took to the stage to perform some of his favourite tracks from his debut album titled “Buyelekhaya”. The crowd were given a pleasant surprise when he called to stage RnB crooner Vusi Nova to perform “Nomakanjani” and finally closed off his performance with “Nomvula” as the crowd asked for more.

Later Nova performed tracks from his new offering titled “Naninina”, serenading the crowd with his hit tracks such as “Thandiwe” and “Ndikuthandile”. Seun Kuti, an internationally acclaimed Nigerian Afro-beat star and son of legendary Fela Kuti, showed Joburgers how to party the Nigerian way.

Local group Mafikizolo brought the house down when they took the stage. The group got the fans on their feet when they performed some of their hit songs and showcased their dance moves. Johannesburg resident Portia Ntsele said this was her fifth year attending the concert.

“I’m very impressed with how well-organised the event is and it gets better and better every year. What I love the most is that this is a family event and I’ve brought my son and sister with me here today,” said Ntsele.

She said the event allowed Johannesburg residents to come together, have fun, listen to good music and have beautiful conversations.