Splash performs to disappointing turnout
Chippa Legodimo | Tuesday May 6, 2014 12:47
Dan Tshanda’s band suffered a blow last year when most of its members decamped to join renowned vocalist Patricia Majalisa. Since then Splash has been struggling to fill up venues, as fans seem to doubt the quality offered by the new band.
Both sides have given contradicting accounts for the bitter split, with the gone members claiming that they were fired, while Tshanda alleges they left on their own accord.
Reports on social media already claim the new band members fail to demonstrate the same dexterity displayed by Tando Zinto, Enock Nkosi, Stanely Tshiloane, Clifton Moalusi and Nicholus Tjale.
However, on Saturday Msizi Madiba led a band of young musicians ready to give the small crowd good reason to brave the cold.
New Matshikos lead singer Jeff Mashaba reminded the dwindled number of fans of the good old days when Penwell Kunene charmed his way in to their hearts and minds.
Experienced instrumentalists Eric Sithole and Madiba kept things tight from the start. Opening the show with one of the group’s most sophisticated tracks Victory, few expected the band to produce such a fine sound.
The crowd, still cross with the departure of Albert ‘Mavilos’ Malahlela, the man who replaced Kunene some years back, hurled insults at the energetic Mashaba at first.
But he later wore the reluctant crowd down with vocal cords, nostril trickery and a large dose of bravery.
Giving the crowd a rare variety with tracks such as I’m Trapped, The Park Is Mine and My Hero seemed to seduce the crowd into appreciating the band’s performance.
Within a short time he had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand as he displayed his own vocal brilliance and powerful stage presence.
But not the same could be said for Peacock new frontman Mogorosi Tsietsi who is also lead singer for local group Zangwana.
The fans demanded ‘their peacocks’ Thabile Mazolwane and Mpedulo Dandile.
Perhaps this may come as a small comfort for fans now that Tshanda has acknowledged that losing his old band members has had impact on his group. He, however, says it was good for both parties.
“Right now some of them are producing music for other artists and I am happy they learnt a lot from me while still here. Patricia is able to organise her own shows and that is growth. I have recruited new members and they are learning quickly. People should ignore the rumours that Splash is dead and come to our shows, as long as I am still there Splash will stay,” Tshanda told Showbiz.