AS Rihanna put it: Cheers to the freakin’ weekend, I drink to that. And with that said, this long weekend you can expect some of the hottest, craziest and off-the-hook parties offering killer line-ups of top artists.
From the likes of US R&B artist Chris Brown to South African rockers Prime Circle and Isicathamiya group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and more, be prepared for entertainment that will keep you dancing till the break of dawn.
Let’s start with the Botanic Gardens’ Music at the Lake on Friday with the Old Mutual Carols by Candlelight concert featuring the Grammy award-winning and internationally acclaimed Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The supporting act on the day will be the Sama- nominated Maskandi act, Shabalala Rhythm (Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala, sons of Joseph, leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Maqhinga Radebe). Tickets are priced from R120 at www.webtickets.co.za or R140 on the day.
Returning to his home town on Friday, New York-based jazz sensation Sonny Pillay will perform at Sibaya Casino in aid of Childline KZN. With Pillay on stage will be piano maestro Burton Naidoo, Idols sensation Jess Yallup, classical star Lauren Dasappa and songstress Debbie Marie. Book at Computicket.
For info, call Robbie Naidoo at 084 444 5500.
Sunday and Monday will see Prime Circle’s Evidence Tour at Live – The Venue and on Saturday they’ll be at Gateway’s Barnyard Theatre. Tickets: R95 pre-sale at www.ticketbreak.co.za or R120 at the door. R160 for Barnyard Theatre at www.barnyard theatres.co.za.
Also on Sunday, an acoustic and blues festival, the Drake Music Festival, will take place at Willowvale in the Midlands. On the line-up are Josie Field, Crystal Park, Naming James, Malory Torr, Laurie Levine and the Hinds Brothers.
Singer and songwriter Field, who is also the organiser of the festival, said they wanted to provide enough platforms to support SA musicians.
“My hope is to make this festival an annual event in which we showcase the best in South African music and help add to the sustainability and long life of original music” she said.
Tickets (R200) and more info on the event are available at the website: www.facebook.com/ thedrakemusicfestival or at www.ticketbreak.co.za
On Monday, the multi-award winning and platinum selling R&B artist, Chris Brown, will bring his Carpe Diem World Tour to the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Tickets range from R490 for general admission to R850 for Golden Circle at Computicket.
Then, lovers of classical music will be in for a treat when the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra will host a Songs of Worship and Celebration Concert on Monday at the Clermont Assemblies of God. The concert will feature the talented soprano, Linda Bukhosini and the highly acclaimed tenor, Bongani Tembe, as they perform songs of praise and worship including highlights from Handel’s Messiah.
Tickets: R50. Book through the participating choirs or via the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra office at 031 369 9438.
Other highlights this weekend include:
lSteve Fataar, Gareth Mare, Byron Love and more will perform at the Rainbow Moon Fire Family Friendly Festival on Friday at Shayile Farm, Dargle (Natal Midlands). Tickets are R250 pre-sold or R300 at gate. Call 082 422 0806.
lOn Saturday, catch Dusk Till Dawn at Plush Ultra Lounge which will feature 5FM’s Euphonik, Fresh and Dino Bravo plus Lady Lea, Warren G, SK9, Eighty6, Ready D and more. R150 to R250 at Computicket. 6pm. Call 031 263 2578.
• Catch Indian playback sensation Shreya Ghosal at the International Convention Centre on Sunday. R120 to R150 at Computicket. Call 031 360 1000.