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Africa Day a musical feast

Patience Bambalele

Patience Bambalele

The Africa Day Celebrations Concert on Friday night in Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg, really captured the imagination of music lovers.

The three days of celebration in Jozi, Alexandra and Soweto began on a high note with African stars sharing the stage to symbolically unite Africa.

Friday night's event boasted a fine lineup, which included Nigeria singer Femi Kuti, Louis Mhlanga, Lindiwe, Korlea, Lesego, Ringo Madlingozi and the Vuvuzela Orchestra.

On a chilly evening, the show started off with up-and-coming groups such as the Vuvuzela Orchestra and Lindiwe of Zambia.

When Madlingozi, the king of Xhosa ballads, took to the stage he shook the crowd and set them dancing to love songs such as Ndiyagodola, Wenyuk'Udoli and others.

The event, which was broadcast on SABC Africa and SABC2, saw promising singers such as Korlea sharing the stage with established artists.

His brief performance was followed by the celebrated musician Louis Mhlanga.

Lesigo, the new kid on the block, came up with a magnificent performance.

Afrobeat star Femi Kuti ended the show with a world-class performance, letting his dancers introduce South Africans to the real kwa-kwasa dance.

On Saturday at Jukskei Park, Alexandra, Africa Day continued with musicians including L'vovo, Siphokazi and Flabba.

The festivities ended yesterday with a free concert at Mofolo Park, Soweto, featuring the Vuvuzela Orchestra, Lira, HHP, Kinobe and Femi Kuti.

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