Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

the Three-day Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival gave revellers a joyous experience.

Taking off on Thursday with Miriam Makeba and Freddie Jackson on centre stage, it attracted hordes of people from around Gauteng and further, who sampled the best sounds from South Africa and across the Atlantic.

Makeba was a marvel to watch. Even though she is 75 years old she defied her age by putting up a stunning performance.

At some stage during her show she appeared weary, but she soldiered on until the end. She performed with her granddaughter Zenzi Lee.

An appreciative audience gave her a standing ovation.

When Jackson came on stage, after Makeba, the audience was psyched up for a memorable evening.

Jackson's performance was appreciated particularly by the female members of the audience, some of whom were invited on stage.

While performances by a host of other musicians were also appreciated by the crowd, George Duke and Stanley Clarke's was a notable one.

Duke performed like a possessed man as he appeared lost in his own world playing his favourite instrument, the piano. If anything, the American duo just demonstrated the art of entertainment.

On Saturday Jonas Gwangwa wrapped up the festival with a rousing performance. People danced and sang along to familiar tunes. Overall, my money goes to Gwangwa. He showed that he is one of the best entertainers in South Africa.