Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

The country was in a festive mood over the Easter holidays as revellers filled entertainment venues to watch top performers do their thing.

Entertainment started on Thursday at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, where the country's celebrated trombonist Jonas Gwangwa performed to a capacity crowd.

Backed by jazz mentor Johnny Mekoa, Gwangwa demonstrated that he is not respected in jazz circles for nothing.

The sound, however, inexplicably failed - amid claims of sabotage - leaving the lively crowd with a bad taste in the mouth as Gwangwa prematurely stopped performing.

In Pretoria at the State Theatre, gospel music fans were entertained by award-winning outfit Joyous Celebration.

The celebration marked the group's 11th album. They performed on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

But that was not all in terms of gospel sounds.

On Saturday visiting American gospel star Bebe Wynans had a date with his fans at the Rhema Church in Randburg, Johannesburg. His performance rocked.

On Saturday families, including children, were given a treat at Emmarentia Dam where Neo Muyanga, Selaelo Selota and Gloria Bosman thrilled their fans.

Though the attendance was fairly small, people had quality time.

Security was tight at the venue and police made arrests outside the venue for public drinking.

Those into traditional music flocked to Bassline, Newtown, where Mahotella Queens performed for their die-hard fans. Ba Cissoka from Guinea almost stole the show.

Uji also spiced up the gig with their Afro jazz sounds.

On Sunday the queen of gospel music, Rebecca Malope launched her new album at Jabulani Amphitheatre in Soweto.