SELAELO Selota is an amazing guitarist, a spell-binding, energetic performer who gives his all to the audience through a meticulously executed repertoire.

SELAELO Selota is an amazing guitarist, a spell-binding, energetic performer who gives his all to the audience through a meticulously executed repertoire.

And it's not amazing that he blew the socks off the audience at the ninth year celebration of the Oude Meester Ekurhuleni Jazz Comes Alive Evening on Friday at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.

The minute he got on stage strumming on his bass guitar, he had the audience's full attention and deafening applause after each song. His promise to give the audience a ninth year celebration to remember was no an idle boast.

The audience was also blown away by the artists he was featuring.

Nokukhanya Dlaminisang Letta Mbulu's classic, There's a Music In The Air, in a manner that would have made Mbulu proud and astonished.

Bhudaza and Tsepo Tshola also reached cult status on Friday night - they were simply possessed.

They had the entire audience surging towards the stage to dance, sing along or to take their photos.

It was the best possible tribute to their fallen peer, Black Jesus, the man who started Sankomota with the late Frank Leepa in Lesotho.

A slim and gorgeous Judith Sephuma, dressed in a beige costume and high heels, blew away the joint. She sang like she has never done before, and her friendship with her former husband, Selota, ignited the music chemistry that emanates from people who have worked together for so long and know each other well. The pair put up a beautiful show.

Johnny Mekoa's youngsters from the Music Academy of Gauteng Jazz Orchestra were really sharp. From playing covers, blues, swing and big band material, they were impressive.

There was an emotional moment for jazz lovers when the group played Mekoa's friend and band member, the late Victor Ndlazilwane's Zandile.

It was a fabulous party that put Jazzman Matlhakgane, the brains behind the jazz concept, in a league of his own.