Lerato Mailoane
To culminate Women's Month, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz paid a heartfelt tribute to the music icon Miriam Makeba on Thursday evening at the View Hotel in Auckland Park.
This event was a prelude to the eagerly anticipated 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, scheduled for September 29th and 30th at the Sandton Convention Centre.
In honour of Women's Month, the festival organizers orchestrated a gathering of women in the arts to pay homage to the enduring legacy of Miriam Makeba.
Makeba, renowned for her ability to employ her artistry to champion human rights and oppose apartheid-colonialism, spent 30 years in exile. Despite her exile, her unwavering commitment and accomplishments earned her nine passports and honorary citizenship in 10 countries, making her a unique global citizen.
Festival Producer and CEO of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Mantwa Chinoamadi-Mutshinya, expressed Makeba's profound impact on women in the arts.
"Every woman, especially in the arts, has been inspired and touched by Miriam Makeba and her spirit…as women who are working in the arts, we take much inspiration from her life and work. She is an unmatched example of how one can use their excellence as a working artist to improve the lives of others," said Chinoamadi-Mutshinya.
The celebration featured a touching speech by Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who shared her personal experiences of Mam Makeba's pivotal role in her career.
"She was such a nurturer. She cared for me when I first visited the United States to perform, and that chance meeting would be the start of a lifetime friendship. I was friends with her till the end."
Simphiwe Dana and her band, featuring drummer Nozipho Mnguni, Aus Tebza on bass guitar, and a vocal ensemble comprising Wandithanda Makandula on tenor, Busi Sibeko on alto, and Zama Jantjie soprano, paid musical homage to the legendary artist by performing some of her most iconic songs.
Zenzi Makeba-Lee, the granddaughter of Mama Africa, led performances of songs that defined her grandmother's illustrious career.
In addition to the musical performances, the celebration encompassed Mama Miriam's Aluta Continua Exhibition and a screening of her historic 1963 speech at the United Nations, which marked its 60th anniversary this July.
Guests were treated to an exhibition featuring some of Miriam Makeba's iconic garments, headgear, and accessories worn over the years.
The artist and illustrator Sonny Nkumeleni will meticulously recreate several items to honour Mama Africa's regal style.