"COME on South Africa. It's time to say Ayikhona," the legendary Tshepo Tshola and his band sang at the Birchwood Hotel in Benoni where the Village Pope headlined the monthly jazz sessions.

The song, loosely meaning "Stop it!" in township slang, is a call to action for a nation ravaged by rampant sexual abuse of women, children and the elderly.

The event's organisers call the monthly gig a "truly South African experience".

Tshola performed some of his best loved classics, including Ho Lokile, which brought the audience of about 500 people to its feet, singing along. He also played a rendition of the South African jazz classic, Ntyilo Ntyilo, before inviting special guests, saxophonist Bhudaza and singer Joe Nina, onto the stage.

When Bhudaza got on stage for a solo performance, members of the audience could not resist forming a train right before the stage, dancing away as he played.

Earlier in the evening, the under-rated jazz legend Johny Mekoa played some serenading jazz with a five-piece band comprising his students from the Music Academy of Gauteng.

After Mekoa, Joel Zuma who has just released an album titled When The Time Is Right, got the crowd going with his own music and covers of classics by his musical heroes including Jabu Khanyile, Barry White, Marvin Gaye and Caiphus Semenya. - ngubanes@sowetan.co.za