When Hugh Masekela blew the opening notes
of Going Home, my hair stood on end.
The sound was good, the stage, lighting and visuals were
excellent.
‘Here is a production that will make me proud’
I thought.
It lasted for about 12 bars.
Then Lira came on to sing Pata Pata and my hopes were dashed.
‘What was she thinking’ I thought.
I am an absolute Lira fan, but she should never have agreed
to do a cover of a SA standard and the opening lines of
a jam session at the end just to be part of the show.
Her management should have known better.
This is a superstar who deserved a slot of her own, and
if that wasn’t forthcoming, screw them.
 |
Alicia
Keys was undoubtedly the star performer, The Parlotones
did South Africa proud, and Vusi Mahlasela was, as
always, endearing, after he overcame the opening jitters,
but maybe I am a bit biased in his favour. |
BLK JKS always seem to find themselves on
a stage that does not ideally suit them, and I am not writing
them of just yet.
John Legend wasn’t bad in his own
set, Angelique Kidjo was old hat and unexciting and the
duet by the two was embarrassing.
Shakira, if it wasn’t for the crowd’s
instinctive reaction to the debateable Wakka Wakka song
- and her sexy bod - would have left any self-respecting
music lover untouched.
The rest are not worth mentioning.
In fact I sincerely hope that none of them are ever mentioned
again anywhere.
