A heady mix of Jazz, Maskandi and Afro Pop heavyweights warmed up a chilly early spring day in Kwa Thema, Ekurhuleni at the Café 69 Spring Festival, which took place at the Kwa Thema Stadium on Saturday.
Mandisi Dyantyis, Mafikizolo and the groundbreaking acapella trio The Soil were part of a stellar line-up that rewarded the revellers who had braved the cold weather to enjoy the festivities.
The electric and eclectic Dyantyis delivered a magical set that draws on his classical music background to seamlessly move between jazz and gospel and keep his audience spellbound. Mafikizolo and The Soil showed their staying power and enduring appeal, with the former drawing on their extensive ten-album catalogue and had the crowd singing along to some of their favourites from Ndihamba Nawe to Nisixoshelani, while The Soil also belted out their crowd favourites including the seminal Inkomo and Susan.
These chart-topping acts were joined by renowned singer, songwriter, and jazz performer Dumza Maswana, whose late-afternoon set, featuring hits such as Sombawo and The Letter, was warmly received.
The event is hosted by Café 69, which is located close to the Kwa Thema Stadium. Michael Mnguni. Café 69 Chief Operations Officer said, “This event is an appropriate way to bring together music lovers from Ekurhuleni and beyond and mark a new season. The event also showcases Café 69 as Ekurhuleni’s premier entertainment and lifestyle destination and a community-anchored hospitality business.”
Also on stage were Maskandi superstars Menzi, Sminofu and Mlabalaba and Afro Soul Trio Encore, renowned for their seTswana ballads. The Maskandi acts proved that the genre has transcended its primary audience of Zulu-language speakers from KwaZulu-Natal and the Gauteng diaspora, to be embraced by a cross-section of Nguni and Sotho-language speakers and music lovers across South Africa’s townships in various provinces.
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The Spring Festival is part of a series of classy events with top acts set to be hosted by the establishment for the last stretch of the year.
In between the various acts, the crowd was entertained by MCs and DJs including Kaya FM’s T Bose Mokwele and Mark Khoza, who were joined by local and Café 69 resident DJs Monty and Khura, Hlomile, leading female DJ Bobo, as well as Bongani, Neo and Smash 101.
The presence of jazz acts in the line up is no coincidence. It builds on Café 69 weekly Thursday night Jazzy Experience, which features leading Jazz DJs and live bands.
The sessions have seen Louis Mhlanga, Khaya Mahlangu and Mthuthuzeli the Principal perform. Linda Tshabalala has also brought her quartet, while Tshepo Mokoena and Lebohang Motloung have also performed with their ensembles. Jazz DJ Nothemba Madumo has compered some of the evenings. Some of these acts will come together on the Café 69 stage once again at the end of October for Jazz in the East live jazz event.
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Other events set to take place over the last quarter include a Whiskey and Cigar Lounge, the traditional All White Soul Sessions at the end of November and the Café 69 staples including the deep house event Italian Experience, curated by DJ Picat the Italian on selected Fridays, Saturday’s Elegant event, Sunday Soul Sessions and the popular Mogodu Mondays. Café 69 is also a popular viewing destination for sporting events.
Mnguni notes that Café 69 has embedded itself in the Kwa Thema lifestyle, tourism, heritage and hospitality entrepreneurial ecosystem.
