MUSIC enthusiasts at the third annual Pietermaritzburg Jazz Festival at the Golden Horse Casino on Saturday were spoilt for choice with the amazing line-up of musicians.
Put together by Starlight Promotions, the festival has become popular on the city’s music calendar with music lovers from all over converging at the venue to have fun.
Back by popular demand, and among one of the headliners at the festival this year was legendary couple, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, who had the crowd wanting more. Mbulu and Semenya were part of the inaugural festival in 2014.
Mbulu performed Music In the Air, Nomalizo, Everybody Sing Along and they did a duet of their 1980 hit, Ndiphendule.
Semenya opened his set with old-time favourite Nomalanga and had everyone on their feet when he sang Angelina and Matswale.
After his performance he said because of time constraints he could not perform all his songs.
“We need about two hours for a full set to be able to perform everyone’s favourites, but unfortunately, time was limited and we could only do a couple of songs.”
Despite the name, the festival showcased all music genres, including jazz, Afro-pop, Maskandi and hip-hop.
Award-winning hip-hop artist Cassper Nyovest performed some of his popular songs like Phumakim, Malume, Mama I Made It and Ngud.
Other artists who took to the stage included Thandiswa Mazwai, Johnny Clegg, Phuzekemisi and American steel drummer, Andy Narell.
One of the festival organisers, Brian Zuma, said the festival was a success.
“From our side, we are happy with the success of the event. All the artists showed up and performed very well.
There was not a single incident reported, people came in and enjoyed themselves. It was a happy atmosphere.”
The number of people attending could not be confirmed at the time of going to press because the organisers were waiting for official figures from Computicket.
