Therese Owen
ELLEN Tshabalala and Hlaudi Motsoeneng aside, one of the best things about New Year’s Eve is SABC1. They broadcast the fantastical Come Duze from 9pm until 1am which means you don’t have to go out into the evil world to have the coolest party.
Come Duze, which is produced by Skhonyane Productions, broadcasts live from Tira’s Fact Durban Rocks at Durban’s People’s Park with crossovers to Arthur’s bash in Mary Fitzgerald Square, Joburg. In between there are inserts where celebrities wish viewers a happy New Year.
The line-up of musicians performing at Fact Durban Rocks boasts the top South African artists. AKA, KO, Cassper Nyovest, Black Coffee, Tira, Big Nuz, Duncan, HHP, Professor, Zakwe, Fisherman and Naima K are just some of the artists booked to perform.
Arthur’s line-up is a bit lame in comparison, with Kelly Khumalo and Chomee as the female headline acts. The big highlight on that bill is definitely the romantic crooning of Vusi Nova and the warlord rebellion of Fiesta Black.
But if you’re not into staying at home and dancing to the country’s top acts in front of the telly, there are other fab options.
In Cape Town there is sure to be a sold-out show at Kirstenbosch Gardens, one of the world’s most beautiful concert settings.
Arno Carstens and Mango Groove will be performing. Carstens is excited about the gig: “I have the big band thing going and Laurie Levine will be joining me on stage. I am trying to outdo Mango Groove in terms of the number of band members I have. We will be doing some Springbok Nude Girls tracks as well as my solo stuff. We have been rehearsing well and I haven’t been playing much this year so I am looking forward to it. Plus Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful venues.”
Staying in the Western Cape, The Electric Vines Festival takes place today and tomorrow at the Arabella Wine Estate near Robertson. The line-up is strong with Gangs of Ballet, Majozi, Jeremy Loops and Jimmy Nevis set to perform. 5FM’s Catherine Grenfell will be the MC.
In East London at Buffalo Park, Tira has spread his wings with Fact East London Rocks on New Year’s Eve. He is obviously booked to play as is Zakes Bantwini, Character and the gorgeous Bucie. As he is booked to perform in Durban on the same night, this visionary entrepreneur has chartered a jet to fly him between cities. Talk about glam all the way.
In the other parts of the country, Zebra and Giraffe will play Francis Bay, while AKA has a very busy schedule in and around Durban.
He will play the Pavilion for a Miller gig at 9pm before moving to Fact Durban Rocks at 10pm and will be in Pietermaritzburg to see in the new year. The next day he and Da Les will be in uMlazi.
Kalawa Jazmee are hosting their annual New Year’s Day picnic at Bundu Inn in the North West. Kalawa Chikita, Candy, commented: “I am really looking forward to it. Bundu Inn is always crazy packed when we play there.”
The line-up features all the Kalawa Jazmee stable from Trompies to Black Motion, Oskido and Uhuru. “It’s 100 percent Kalawa,” said Mahoota who is also a director of the label.
“We are also celebrating our 20th anniversary of the company. Each of our artists will be on that stage.”
The party is in the form of a picnic with gates opening at noon and the performances going on till past midnight.
Happy New Year’s party people.