VOCALIST and arranger Sibongile Khumalo used her 20-years celebration in music to make important social commentary. The event took place this weekend at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.

Obviously alluding to the expulsion and suspension of ANC Youth League leaders, Khumalo said "even the snake does not eat it's own children."

She was careful though, not to mention names or to be too specific, thereby allowing individuals to make up their own minds.

During her introduction of a young Orlando East fashion designer who turned an unused building in Soweto into working space, the 2008 National Order of Ikhamanga recipient lamented that the Johannesburg municipality seems to have no idea what to do with its assets.

Khumalo offered financial advice.

"I don't mean to disrespect, but we save a lot for funerals in these societies, so can we try to save more for the living?," she asked.

Khumalo has stoked the fires of South African music heritage through consistent and unrelenting performances of some fine compositions.

Her band opened with a superbly weaved medley of tunes, including the Brenda Fassie song Life is Going On,Winston Mankunku Ngozi's Yakhal' Inkomo and Joy's Paradise Road. Her repertoire included the classic Maru a Pula by world-acclaimed diva Letta Mbulu.

"By performing these songs, we salute songwriters who have kept the nation bouncing and bopping while hoping the songs would become major standards," Khumalo said.

She displayed her vocal mastery and her superiority in the delivery of song. She tickled, charmed, hypnotised and dazzled and the audience gave her a standing ovation. Pity she did not have a full house.