April 28, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka and Emmanuel Mulaudzi
JOZI residents celebrated Freedom Day in laid-back style, enjoying the music at Joburg Water's concert at Mary Fitzgerald Square, in Newtown. The free concert was the culmination of Joburg Water's third annual water festival.
Malaika belts out their hit Mutunza/2 Bob at Joburg Water's Freedom Day concert
Thousands of music lovers flocked to the square on Thursday, 27 April, making the most of the balmy weather and kicking back to the sounds of their favourite artists.
The day started slowly, with a few people arriving early in the morning. But they were kept entertained by the DJs from Kaya FM as the radio station did an outside broadcast for the day. Through the morning more and more people arrived and by afternoon the gig was in full swing.
Many made a day of it, bringing camping chairs and picnic baskets. Throughout the performances Joburg Water T-shirts, caps and water bottles were tossed into the crowd.
Local musicians kept the crowd going, with house music by DJs, Afro pop by Ntando and the edgy hip-hop of Skwatta Kamp. Afro pop newcomers Kofifi, first on stage, had people standing on the Market Theatre steps trying to get a better view.
Ntando added to the mix, while his fans screamed for more and tried to touch their star through the barricades. Skwatta Kamp had the audience on their feet, grooving to the beat of Shayizandla, or The Clap Song, while the backup dancers, B-Boys, dazzled everyone with their limber moves.
With baggy jeans slung low around his hips and bunching up above his sneakers, Skwatta Kamp's Slikour reminded people of the meaning of Freedom Day, held to commemorate the first democratic elections in 1994. "For me, more than anything, today is one of those days when we celebrate all those who have died in the struggle."
Concert-goer Eva, who hails from Soweto, decided to bring her three children for a fun-filled day. "At this point I can't wait to see Malaika perform," she said.
Ntando dazzles fans in Newtown
And the band did not disappoint, performing songs from the latest album Vuthelani. The pop group's hit Mutunza/2 Bob was a rollicking highlight in a festive day, with the thumping base beat reverberating throughout the square.
DJ Thokzen wrapped up the day with house tunes from his latest compilation Mmthi's Volume 4, which had people dancing up Bree Street on their way home.
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