Baritone maestro Tsepo Tshola will lead an evening honouring his former band, Sankomota, at the next Birchwood Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz Evening on Friday, May 5 at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.
In partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, the Mail & Guardian, the Sowetan and SAfm, the evening will also feature Sankomota’s pianist and saxophonist, Bhudaza Mapefane, who will be supporting Tshola in remembering the Lesotho-based group’s lively, African-fusion sounds.
As one of South Africa’s most iconic bands, Sankomota represented the start of Tshola’s and Mapefane’s careers and gave them a platform from which to extend their solo careers into the successes they are today. Named after a Pedi warrior as a symbol of unity, Sankomota were well-known for their lyrical mixture of Zulu, Pedi and Sotho, and sought to bring national pride among a culturally diverse South Africa.
As always, the Birchwood stage highlights fresh, upcoming talent within the music industry. Ekurhuleni-based soul, jazz and afro performer Nkululeko Nzo (Mr. Nzo) will be performing in line with his life’s mission – to uplift his audience’s spirit.
The May Birchwood Jazz Evening will be taking entertainment to the next level with a star-studded line-up of local comedians. Stand-up comedian, motivational entertainer, singer, poet, actor and MC, Themba Nhlapho (Jazzbuda), will be taking to the stage to prove why he is such a popular headlining act. Joining him is comedian, Thabo Mthimkhulu, who is known for his appearances in Tshwane Comedy Nights and performances at the Soweto Theatre.
Don’t miss out on an evening of reminiscence, commemoration and local humour. The festival starts at 8pm and tickets are R450 per person or R4 500 for a table of 10. Groups who book early will be able to take advantage of the early bird special; book your table of 10 before 28 April and save R500! For more information or to book contact Dudu Kgomo on [email protected] or visit www.birchwoodhotel.co.za.