21 SONGS FOR 21 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY
FEATURING: Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Ziyon, Mbali Ngidi, Hlubi Kwebulani, Mfanelo Nltama and others
PRODUCERS: Roddy Quin and Victor Masondo
VENUE: The Nelson Mandela, Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
UNTIL: April 12
RATING: ****
Bob Marley, the legendary Jamaican reggae musician, sang: One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. One wishes he was still alive and could have attended Saturday night’s show of 21 Songs for 21 Years of Democracy. Not only would he not have felt any pain, but he would have been jubilant.
It’s also not strange that Carlos Santana had the following to say about songs in general: “Some songs are just like tattoos for your brain – you hear them and they’re affixed to you.”
This festival of song started last year with Anthems of Democracy in this same theatre, with guests like Joan Armatrading, Bright Blue, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the Soweto Gospel Choir and others fitting the bill.
This year’s 12 performances of 21 Songs for 21 Years of Democracy, subtitled History Via Harmony, is a spectacular showcase that is all inclusive and in which dozens of singers and instrumentalists can showcase their wide-ranging talents.
South Africa is basically unique in the variety of musical styles that have sprung up over the centuries and even more so since we became a democracy. Most of them pass the parade in each of the shows reflecting the pulse and creativity of our rainbow nation.
Billed for last Saturday was the legendary icon Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and American-born Jonathan “Ziyon” Hamilton of Liquideep. Although both were on stage for a rather limited time, they made their mark with their easy-going stage artistry and pulsating musicianship.
Mabuse, a great charmer, especially among the ladies, had the audience immediately on their feet, except for a number of (older?) men in front. Mabuse mocked their passive behaviour to the delight of everyone. Mabuse’s movements while playing the sax were from the top shelf and his interaction with the band’s musicians creatively flawless – all from a man who is working on or has just completed his doctorate!
Ziyon has an immediately recognisable voice and a stage presence in which his bodily contortions and movements seem quite individual. His aura is far removed from midstream commercialism and in being so he kept his audience spellbound and often on their feet.
But there were many other stars, perhaps up to now most of them are a bit lesser known, but nevertheless worth hearing and seeing: Hlubi Kwebulani’s Lucky Dube tribute was reggae at its best. Kwebulani moves and sings with the kind of continuous intensity involving and entertaining listeners.
Mbali Ngidi’s Brenda Fassie tribute was a spunky and very exciting part of the show. She really knows how to musically crawl into the psyche of the much-lamented Fassie and even reflected some of her charisma.
Gospel was also put in the spotlight by the backing vocalist Mfanelo Nltama who impressed with his soulful singing while walking the full length of the stage to and fro. He also is an audience charmer.
The two lady vocalists opening the show were involved in other tributes, but they made their mark early in the programme with a haunting rendering of Music in the Air.
Joel Zuma was the arresting, alert and entertaining MC of the evening – a talent in his own right who managed, controlled and manipulated his audience very subtly as every MC should.
There’s so much more to say, but unfortunately so little space in which to do it.
• There are eight more performances of 21 Songs For 21 Years of Democracy scheduled, with the names of the main attractions featured in each of them: Thursday – Ray Phiri & Lemmy Special; Saturday– Abigail Kubheka & Dorothy Masuku; Sunday– Steve Kekana & PJ Powers; Monday – Sipho Mabuse and Mohotella Queens; Thursday, April 9 – Jesse Clegg, Mi Casa and Ziyon; Friday, April 10 – Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Soul Brothers; Saturday,April 11– Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Vusi Mahlasela; Sunday, April 12 – Johnny Clegg, Vusi Mahlasela and PJ Powers. Please note: The list of performers is subject to change. Booking is through www.joburgtheatre.com or call 0861 670 670. Shows start at 7.30pm from Thursdays to Saturdays, 3pm on Sundays, and 3pm on the public holiday on Easter Monday.