The second People’s Concert takes place on Sunday 05 April at Swartklip Sports Ground in Tafelsig, Mooted by the Western Cape provincial government and the Minister of Arts & Culture Dr Z. Pallo Jordan last year, the concert is part of the two levels of government’s campaign against crime, women-abuse, abuse against children and drug addiction. “The ‘People’s Concert’ is an event that not only excites the heart and soul but illuminates how artists can use music as an instrument for social change and transformation”, says the Minister of Arts & Culture. Western Cape Premier Lynne Brown adds, “To bring music and message together in an international music experience, which would otherwise be out of reach for this sector of our community is also a highlight.”
Launched in 2008 with the idea of using music to motivate young people to choose positive lifestyles, it is expected that the People’s Concert will attract about 20 000 revelers with 10 000 young people bussed from all over the province through the Premier’s office. On stage this year will be Claire Phillips, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Shakatak, Gang of Instrumentals, Mos Def and The Stylistics. The choice of the musicians is consistent with the objectives of the People’s Concert. The lineup is a mix of young artists and older musicians who have displayed longevity in the trade and how music can be a viable professional career. The lineup brings together popular acts from here and abroad.
What better group can open the day besides the Gang of Instrumentals. Known as GI, the band that prides itself of its unique blend of soul, hip hop and reggae; is a demonstration of how township youth can turn to music instead of being drawn into criminal gangs. The band’s infectious lyrics have this message. Another township artist that is featured is Claire Phillips. Born in Belhar in the Cape Flats, Phillips began to sing as a toddler before she picked up a guitar. From these humble beginnings, the Cape Town-based artist has been acknowledged as a talented young performer and songwriter. She won a South African Music Award (SAMA) nomination for "Best R&B/Soul Album" in 2007. Her debut album Say My Name went on to win the category at the 13th annual SAMA Awards.
But the star of the day for young people will be Mos Def (MOSt DEFinitely). Mos Def whose real name is Dante Terrell Smith emerged in the US in 1990s as one of the movers of a movement to cleanse hip-hop of its gangster image and return it to its roots as social commentary. Since then, the Brooklyn-born artist has spread his wings and has become a star in film, television and on the Broadway stage. Mos Def’s role is not confined to laying down evocative rap lines or appearing in movies. In his short career the 35-year old star has won award across these artistic genres. Mos Def’s views in public have also not been less strident. During President Bush’s reign, the actor/musician/activist frequently fired pungent remarks criticising his country’s political system. He was no less vocal about the tardiness of the US government in responding to the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina.
As perpetrators of abuse are not only young people, there will be music carrying a positive message for older audiences. In this category will be Shakatak. Known for its energetic dance beats that are mixed with strong vocal-instrumental unison, the group has been in existence for 28-years. When the British jazz-funk band performs in South Africa, its shows are sold-out. This is what happened in 1993 when they performed in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. This happened again when they were here in a two-week outing at the end of 1994. Broadcast live to 250 000 people throughout the world, Shakatak performed in an open-air concert in Cape Town as part of the 2000 Millennium Celebrations. It will clearly not be different this coming Sunday at Swartklip Sports Ground, Tafelsig.
Joining Shakatak for adult contemporary sound is Sylvia Mdunyelwa and The Stylistics. Known as “Mama Kaap”, Mdunyelwa is known for her singing that reflects the city’s most diverse cultures. Although coming all the way from the US, The Stylistics are very popular in these shores. Switch to any of the “Quiet Storm” or “Soul Jam” radio programme specialising in soul hits of the 1970s, then you will hear The Stylistics. Their singles such as “You Make Me Feel Brand New”; “Stop Look Listen (To Your Heart)” and “Betcha By Golly, Wow” still receive a lot of airplay. The hits remain cla**ics of a style known as Philadelphia that swept the musical world in the 1970s. “With such a lineup there is no doubt that the anti-abuse message of the People’s Concert will be loud and clear. We are taking the music to the people and saying to everyone come to celebrate our humanity and diversity. The choice of a venue that lies between Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain is not accidental”, says production and EspAfrika director Billy Domingo.
Gates open at 8h00 and the show starts at 10h00.
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