Hi dolls, it feels as though it’s been forever since we last caught up. Blame the Easter long weekend for keeping us apart for so long!
On the plus side, it means I have a load of mgosi from the past two weeks since I went to watch Amanda Black perform almost two weeks ago.
On April 14, Skinners enjoyed a once-in-a-blue-moon experience at the first Ibhayi Live Experience at the Boardwalk ICC, where Black was the headliner.
Though I went to see Black, the real performance of a lifetime was delivered by Walmer township musician Joliza Magayiyana, whom I had only heard of until that day.
The man, who completely stole the spotlight, was not even on the initial lineup until he was voted by the public to join the performance in a competition held at Black Impala some weeks earlier. What a talent! He had the audience dancing around the venue in unison, something even the talented headliner could not quite achieve.
What Black did achieve though is leave the audience complaining she had performed too few songs.
Fast-forward to Easter when Skinners skipped the holy house for lots of indoor time and a little outdoor mingling.
On Good Friday, I went to The Banquet at the Gallery on Produce Street. It’s a fairly new venue that can be transformed into a pretty eye-catching one for various kinds of events. This time it was occupied by food stalls, fashion, live art and an entertainment stage.
The event, hosted by Roof Garden Bar owner Gus Noppe, attracted a large crowd.
Walk In Closet designer Evans Zemba and Amanda Knots showcased some of their works and Knots’s matte black gown was hard to miss – especially if you think black wedding gowns could totally be a thing like Skinners does.
Little birdies told Skinners a second round of the event is on the cards.
On Sunday, Skinners and company celebrated the first anniversary of Unplugged Sunday Sessions in picnic style at Posh Lounge.
Unlike the usual indoor sessions, this was held in the parking lot with tents and you-name-it. The lineup boasted 10 amazing local poets, singers and DJs.
Skinners was happy to see upcoming vocalists Songo Songo and Wamkelwa collaborating on their performance with a live band featuring Kora-X, Mthokozisi Mabuza and Sakhi Nompozolo.
On that note, I think it’s time the city showed some sort of recognition to Kora-X for always going out of his way to groom upcoming talent.
Closing off the event with house jams was Umhlobo Wenene’s Bukiwe Zide as DJ Zeed, behind the decks.
Skinners wasn’t the only one who missed church as singers Dumza Maswana, Lisa Yengeni and Siyasanga Koyo were among the many who were there.