ONCE again jazz and Afro-pop loving people of Gauteng and surrounding areas will gather at the Oude Meester Ekurhuleni Jazz Comes Alive at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. The fun starts at 7.30pm on Friday October 7.

Ndumiso Nyovane, who plays the trumpet, is a resourceful artist who has worked hard to steer clear of record company red tape traps. For years he has worked alone successfully and moved mountains to achieve fame and credibility in order to realise his musical dream. Nyovane is likely to blow the ladies away.

Next in line is the amazing Malatjie The Prince. He has represented the Bulubedu people well, especially after the demise of Peta Teanet, who had hoisted their flag higher. He is lively, brimming with gusto and obviously relishes his sets. He teases the ebony and ivory keys, sings and does a dance routine that is unique to him and Selaelo Selota, his mentor. Malatjie, who in the past played with LaBantu, was persuaded by Selota to go solo because he knew Malatjie would make it.

Headlining the evening is Lesotho's Bhudaza. The man is so laid back that it's unbelievable that he has the ability to drive audiences into a frenzy of dance and song. His repertoire fills you with excitement, a bit of melancholy and large doses of nostalgia.

He started out with Sankomota, one of Lesotho's premier Afro-soul outfits, with smatterings of traditional pop and R&B. Their music was fiery, catchy, infectious, yet politically savvy. As the masses danced to the fresh, unique, tight sound, they learnt a lot about themselves and their capabilities.

With this sterling line-up the ladies are in good company. So are the gentlemen, by the way.

The night would be incomplete without eloquent and humorous Kaya DJ Hector Motau. Wear your armour against his gut-ripping sense of humour and the laughter that follows it.

Adding a bit of pizzazz to the wonderful music is the lovely three-course meal, the complimentary bottle of Oude Meester red and white wine as well as the many prizes waiting to be grabbed by fun lovers.