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On Saturday night, Sammy Hartman brought tears to my eyes.
Tears, because Hartman is a prolific composer, and his talent
has never really been recognised.
Technically, the musicians in the
band, including Hartman himself, could not do justice to his
compositions, but I still managed to experience an immense
talent that filled me with an overwhelming joy.
At the end of the performance, I said to Nellie,
‘I am afraid that we have just witnessed the best performance
that this festival line-up offers.’
This was later confirmed, and apart from Vusi
Mahlasela’s incredible voice and the unadulterated joy
that he experiences in performing, nothing else that I managed
to hear on Saturday night is worth mentioning.
This includes George Benson and Jonathan Butler.
Sunday was more rewarding, and I thoroughly
enjoyed witnessing the strides made by two of ‘my babies’
Selaelo Selota and Musa Manzini.
I also found Amanda Tiffin, an artist that I had not heard
before, particularly endearing.
I have outgrown the likes of Jeff Lorber and Mezzoforte, I
have not yet managed to grow into the likes of Soil and Pimps
and Bilal, and I can now finally, with much respect and without
guilt, lay to rest in the archives of my life the likes of
McCoy Tyner, Charles Lloyd and Toots Thielemans.
Having now mentioned what I feel deserves
to be mentioned, please allow me to scream and shout.
Drum roll…………
On Sunday, from 18h45 to 19h45 I was exposed
to greatness.
This lady knocked Erykah Badu off ‘the throne in
my head’ that she has been occupying for about
four years now.
I am in awe, and I do not have
the words to describe the experience of Lira performing
live.
Apart from her wonderful voice, the way she uses it, her
stage presence, image and body movements, the thing that
puts Lira in a class of her own, is also the most refreshing
aspect of her performance.
Without losing her identity, Lira and her
music is not flavoured with culture and heritage.
Unlike most African artists, whether intentionally or not,
her music is not tinged with historical discrimination and
injustice or future deservations – Yes I
just created the word.
I also get the distinct impression that ego and pride has
been overlooked.
Lira SINGS
to the world. Gloriously. And as far as I am concerned,
given half a chance – and dare I mention, a technical
team on par with her talent - she will rule the world.
In my book, this is the closest South Africa
has ever come to producing a truly magnificent international
superstar.
Do yourself a favour and go and witness
the true potential of a New South Africa.
The true potential of a New World.
Kader Khan
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