Music: Levi's® Vintage Sundays

The Levi's® Vintage Sundays gigs are currently underway in Johannesburg, taking music to the people in the intimate setting of Crazy 88 in Norwood. Now in its 5^th season with an incredible line-up of a selection of South Africa’s most recognized artists; these weekly gigs have proven extremely popular due to the close-up and personal feel of the events which offer a wide range of diverse performances. This past Sunday 10^th May included the legendary Pops Mohammed, Kwani Experience and Tumi live and unplugged.

Tumi is a speaker of fancy, the vanguard clairvoyant, one of South Africa's brightest up and coming wordsmiths. He is an honest poet, an intuitive writer and responsible MC. His show on Sunday was such an experience. A collaboration with producer and beat maker – Peach fused an electro funk vibe with poetic lyricism which created a world unknown but exquisite and memorable. 

Kwani Experience brought the house down with tribal rhytms with soul and creativity. They also collaborated with Paps Mohammed (Whom I’d never heard of before). Pops started the night off, but it didn’t quite do it for me. Sounded like something you’d hear to soothe and relax during a spa day somewhere far away. Maybe he is an acquired taste. 

On Sunday 17 May, Levi's® Vintage Sundays will be in full swing once more featuring a combination of the acoustic local band Apple Ann and traditional vernacular folk musician Bongeziwe. Recent SAMA winners and crowd favourites  340ml, will also join the bill this week.

Mozambican boys 340ml, recent SAMA winners are back on the scene with a brand new album, appropriately entitled "Sorry for the Delay".  Their music is a mixed formula of various musical genres, from Dub to Jazz, Afro to Rave, Polka to Rock, and the list goes on, but the end product always sounds like 340ml

In the past five years the iconic jeans brand has hosted an incredible 160 shows all over the country and in May 2009; Levi’s® Vintage Sundays will enter its sixth year.  There have been many legendary performances, surprise collaborations; rock ‘n’ roll moments and eye-opening antics.  Our musical royalty, from across genres, has taken this opportunity to give some of their most memorable shows.  And it has always been for free, proving that the Levi's® brand is committed to keeping Mzansi in touch with its musical icons, and ensuring that these stars connect with their fans.  

www.levi.co.za/MusicMag/

Thanks Levi's

(Sunday's are special again)

Music: Jazz me up; CTIJF

It's that time of the year again when the worlds greatest pull into to South Africa and Jazz it up at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 09. 

Every year is an experience like no other, even included on the line up are artists that aren't traditionally Jazz musicians; so I guess you could call it a Great Music Experience weekend. A few years ago, I was blown away by South African hip hop artists HHP and International RnB songstress Leela James. (For Leela, had to leave a previous show early so I could run to her venue and stand right in front of the stage)

Here's the 09 Line Up:

This time I'm extremely excited to see, amongst many others these three:

Brooklyn born rapper, actor, poet extraodinaire Mos Def - eish the hotness that is this man. (Mos, I drip for you...BC we go hard!)

He'll be doing the last show on the last night at the aptly named Bassline hall at the International Convention Centre. 

340ml - Mozambiquan Afrodub Jazz foursome. They recently released their second album 'Sorry For The Delay' almost 4 years to the day after their first. They hook up freestyle dub, drumming, echo organs, guitar bass and of-course Pedro's drifting vocals. I've seen them before, but they way they bring it - disappointment is a state I won't know. 

Zap Mama believes through sound and beat, people discover culture and world unknown, which is something I think truly personifies what the festival is about. ZM performing in French and English, an explosion of Jazz, RnB, Cabaret, Soul and beatboxing with strong African influences all in one. 

This should be a weekend to remember - and it's so close to my birthday!! 

check the website for more information, artists profiles and costs. 

 

I know my girl Tumelo will be there in full force and hopefully give us a review when she gets back...

(I can't promise she won't run backstage and kidnap Mos Def and disappear into the sunset) tl tl tl