Just as I thought load-shedding had not only darkened our homes, but also dulled our fun, the Bay social scene proved me wrong.
All thanks to Edgar Muzah and Friends, I celebrated my Human Rights Day at Ekupholeni Cocktail Lounge in Zwide where the band performed.
This was one of their last performances in the Bay before they head off to Cape Town on Friday to perform at the International Jazz Festival.
And, in case anyone was unsure, the band sure proved why they deserved to win the espYoungLegends online competition.
Social media perks also allow us to keep up with the group, who performed at the free show on Wednesday, and the outfit will be on stage at the main festival in Cape Town on Saturday night.
Band member Andy Ndlazilwana has been keeping us posted on the trip as she hopped on to her first flight ever. What better way to have your debut flight, than going to perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival?
Anywho, back to what I’m here about – the event at Ekupholeni.
You may not be surprised to learn that the venue was filled to capacity with the likes of Uthando Baduza and Wandisa Mti – jamming and singing along to every tune until the music got to the Shona lyrics.
When I spotted songbird Nosisi Mavela having the time of her life alongside Zimasa Vela and Unathi Ngqolombe, I knew exactly what is meant by “real recognise real”.
Your less than vocally talented Skinnerbek, on the other hand, was just blessed to have been surrounded by talented vocalists Lisa Yengeni and Babalwa Tshula, who sang on my behalf.
Speaking of talent, there was more than a dose of it at the PE Opera House at the opening of the Iphulo Drama Festival.
The festival runs until Saturday and, on the very first day, Skinners was already grateful for the good food that was catered as we listened to the speeches which, let’s be honest, can be rather long.
Theatre legend and actress Nomhle Nkonyeni was obviously there, along with actress Olwethu Mdala, whom I’m told has ventured into film since relocating to Jozi.
Sebenza girl!
As badly as I wanted to hop onto the snazzy GLA Mercedes Benz I spotted, and learnt belonged to Toffie Zitshu, of Umhlobo Wenene’s famous play Ithini Nalento, I had to do what I was there to do – watch the stage plays.
And so I did manage to catch Strictly Come Bankrupt written by Monde Ngonyama which revolves around a group of stokvel women and their dramatic relationships. B
Big ups to the cast, director Xabiso Zweni and whoever came up with the idea to feature new faces Amanda Pieters and Sino Jacobs.
Skinners also enjoyed Locked Out by Capetonian Lubabalo Nontwana who wrote, directed and performed the play.
I won’t retell the stories but I will advise you to catch what you still can on Friday and Saturday.
Until next week, ciao!