BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – Absolute brilliance!
This best describes the performance by Sisonkhe Kollektiv, a local group of music artists. The 21 strong members’ ages range from 14 to 63 years old. They took over the main stage at 7 p.m. on the first day of the lifestyle festival, Friday, August 2, 2024.
The opening song was by four saxophonists, which soon pulled the crowd closer to the main stage. They were later joined by the other members of the group and gave a brilliant performance. This was their first time performing at the Standard Bank Food and Lifestyle Festival.
The group is the brainchild of the Into Music Society and the Jazz Gallery. It was formed in June 2024. Nelisa Lawton, the brains behind the concept, couldn’t help but marvel at the brilliant performance by the group as she also danced along and cheered on from the crowd.
When the clock hit 9pm it was time for the first international headline act, the South African cappella trio from Soweto, The Soil, took over the Main Stage. Their brilliant performance was met with screams of excitement and cheering from the crowd. The trio shared that they have released a new album after a seven-year hiatus from the music scene. They also sang one of their new songs from the album, titled Malaika, which was a hit with the patrons. The group’s one-hour performance proved that they still got it. Formed back in 2003, the three members are brothers Luphindo Ngxanga, Ntsika Ngxanga, and Theo Matshoba.
South African singer and songwriter and music producer Mthunzi, born Njabulo Mthunzi Ndimande in KwaZulu Natal, had fans screaming and singing along to his hit song titled Ngibambe La, which he performed on the MasterCard Stage. He performed for an hour. Dressed in white shirt and white pants, which he accessorised with an orange scarf, he had ladies eating out of his palm with his great performance.
The second international act on the Main Stage was South African legendary singer and songwriter Simphiwe Dana (44) famous for performing in her mother tongue, the Xhosa language, graced the stage at 11.10 p.m. Dressed in a black lace body suit and a long black and gold skirt with gold glitter, the singer gave a thrilling performance. She also sang one of her hit songs, titled Steve Biko, which had patrons singing along and dancing to her music.
Other than the brilliant performances on the different stages, the mood of the festival was a great vibe, and the weather also played along. Patrons were seen visiting and purchasing the different food stalls, and some took turns taking photos at the designated photo booths. The festival continues today. Gates will open at 10 a.m.
