The one who left her mark in music, Busi “Queen of Maskandi” Mhlongo, will be honored at the 27th Standard Bank Joy of Jazz at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg on September 25 to 26.
Busi passed away on June 15, 2010, at the age of 62, due to breast cancer that started in 1978. This heroine will be remembered for her songs, which will be sung by Buhlebendalo Mda, Zawadi YaMungu and Xolisa Dlamini.
Another star who will be honored here is Hugh Masekela, who will be remembered by Thandiswa Mazwai and Kippie Moeketsi will be honored by Khaya Mahlangu. Thandiswa said she was very touched to be given the opportunity to honor Masekela because their relationship was deep.
“His music changed not only jazz but the spirit of this country. Reinterpreting his work on stage is a big thing.”
Local and foreign stars, including Angelique Kidjo from Benin and the American saxophone player Kamasi Washington, were arrested in this event. Local artists who will be sharing the stage are Thandiswa, McCoy Mrubata, Khaya Mahlangu and Ndabo Zulu.
Ibrahim Maalouf, Judith Sephuma and Ola Onabule will perform at the Dinaledi Stage and Nubya Garcia and Lorraine Klaasen will share the stage at the Diphala Stage. On the Conga Stage, Tank, The Bengas, Reza Khota, Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba will be performing. On the Mbira Stage, Nomfusi, Anais Rosso, Floetry, Buhlebendalo Mda, Zawadi YaMungu and Xolisa Dlamini will be performing.
The producer of this event, Mantwa Chinoamadi, said that this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will remind people of the past years and look at the future of jazz music in the country.
He said this year’s event coincided with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Soweto student massacre on June 16, 1976 and the women’s march on August 9, 1956. An audience of about 25,000 is expected.