Kumnandi Ekhaya fest goes ahead despite Makhazi's withdrawal
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday October 4, 2022 06:00
Makhadzi was amongst the festival headliners but decided to pull out on the eve of the show, leaving the organisers stranded.
The event, which is a mastermind of South African based Motswana DJ, DJ Ngwazi, was held on Independence Day at Legola Farm in Thamaga.
Being currently the most trending artist, Makhadzi was arguably the event's crowd-puller along fellow South African musicians Master KG and Zanda Zakuza as well as local giants Franco & Afro Musica, Dr Vom and Vee Mampeezy. Due to this, her non-appearance might have dented the event somehow, especially on the last-day ticket sales and mood. For a show loaded as it was, clearly it did not reach the crowd that was expected.
But surely her absence could not deny the beat from going and other artists from giving their best as they ensured that those who attended got a nightshift treat. The show started off very slowly without any sort of vibe up until after 10pm when Sdala B & Paige got up on stage.
Revellers had at least been kept busy by dancing to music from different DJs. But it was Sdala B & Paige who eventually tuned the night on. With Sdala B on the decks and Paige performing alongside their two male dancers, they probably got the crowd going.
Their performance was truly a pleasant stage warmer for the rest of the other performing artists who performed after them. The duo dished hit after hit throughout their 30-minute set. Other artists such as Prince Benza and Mapara a Jazz followed suit and wowed the crowd.
Prince Benza performed most of the hit songs he did with Makhadzi. After performing solo, Zanda Zakuza also joined Master KG and DJ Ngwazi on stage to give revellers a treat of the Wanitwa Mos family songs. It was such a good impression to see them share the stage.
They left the crowd eating from their palms and asking for more.
It seems the best was saved for last as Dr Vom, Franco & Afro Musica and Vee Mampeezy were last to perform in that order. It would not have been a good night without the crowd dancing to Dr Vom’s timeless hits Tsaya Thobane and Tlhabano.
Franco & Afro Musica, the only act performing with a live band did not disappoint. They performed hits such as Tsala tsame, Toro, Sephiri se dule and Eya le nna Babilone much to the amusement of the revellers. Vee Mampeezy wrapped up the event in style.
He clearly showed why he has been at the top for so long. He sent crowd into frenzy when he performed some of the hits from his biggest album, Taku Taku. The artists’ performances showed that with better planning, Kumnandi Ekhaya music fest could become one of the biggest music events in the country.