A Disappointing Indo African Concert
Dumisani Ncube | Monday November 13, 2017 15:21
The cultural exchange event was headlined by Berry Heart and visiting Indian artist Ekam Manuuke. They were supported by a number of local acts.
The first turn off of the event was the starting time. It was scheduled to get underway at 7.30pm, but was delayed until 8.35pm with only a handful of people inside the Maitisong Theatre. The small crowd of less than 50 people was however patient as they waited.
The night kick started with Berry Heart performing her latest single Dipalametse, which had her share the stage with the dance crew Flexyville. The energetic song had Berry Heart showing her dance skills clad in tight black pants, which showed her full figure and a white top.
Having performed an up tempo song, she took things a bit slow performing Kenya with a live band. While performing, Berry Heart and Flexyville had some interesting traditional act choreograph on stage. Despite the low turnout, the few who were there showed support as they sang along and clapped hands.
With time sound engineering became bad as it irritated the audience who protested. Musician Fresh Les had to assist with the engineering of the sound. Also the lighting on the stage was not up to par as it was not harmonising with the performances.
With the sound having been fixed, the show was back to normal. Berry Heart and Manuuke came on stage and belted a number of their new tracks, which they have been collaborating on. The two performed songs such as Chiwele, Ghar Ton Door, Pyaar and Thuto Boswa. The interesting element about their performance is that they both used their mother tongues, Berry Heart sang in Shekgalakgari while Manuuke sang in Punjabi and at times they would borrow the vernacular words from each other in song. Manuuke enjoyed himself on stage as he had the audience cheering him up every time he sang. While at it Berry Heart also performed Monatje wa Loratjo with Fresh Lesh. The jazz track also gave life to the event due to the rhythm it carried. Despite the poor technicalities and small audience, the artists gave their all in terms of performances.
The stage was also graced by the likes of Ashwini Arulnambi and Ephraim Khan. Veteran events promoter and artists manager, Zenzele Hirschfield was not shy to express her disappointment on the low turnout urging Batswana to support local artists.