Decades gone by, the era of jazz and Sophiatown faded away and the magazine became more of a family magazine covering more general entertainment. The forgotten days… we've moved from 50 and 60s but the magazine is now repositioning itself to be more like the magazine that focused on music's heritage and pictures of the black jazz.
Drum Magazine in collaboration with Amstel Lager and Hilltop Live will be hosting the
Drum Beat Soweto Music Concert at Mofolo Park in Soweto, on 30 April. A first for the magazine, instead of covering jazz music the magazine will be hosting it with a diverse and ‘electric’ line-up. With some extraordinary live performances from some of the foremost South African musicians, Hugh Masekela, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Malaika and more exciting local acts will be taking to the stage to start the day off. The concert is set to be a day-night event that will be tailored to encourage people to come with their camp chairs, picnic blankets and braai stand and spend the day at the park, whilst enjoying the festivities courtesy of
Drum.
During the media launch party of the concert at Nambitha restaurant in Vilakazi Street in Soweto,
Drum Editor, Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa, told the gathering that with the concert, they aim to go back to their roots. “We are reshaping ourselves. It is with great pride to create such an event for residents in Soweto,” said Zwane-Siguqa. She also expressed her excitement about working with Hilltop Live and Amstel Lager. “They came in at the right time and they are in the right position to help us with the re-positioning.”
Zwane-Siguqa added that Soweto was an obvious choice for hosting the event. “Soweto people always have to travel to Moretele and Vaal to see such jazz concerts and I think we will be paying homage to them by bringing the event to their backyard. I also think that the event will have significance to them as they have a rich history when it comes to jazz music. She also added taht they hope to make the concert an annual event in Soweto,” she said.
The Amstel Golden Hour, which takes place at Chaf Pozi every month, will be substituted by the
Drum Beat Soweto Music concert this month. To beef up the event, Amstel will be bringing Afropop singer Theo Kgosinkwe as its Golden Hour artist. Kgosinkwe will perform his unique and diverse sounds ranging from Afro-Pop, gospel, jazz and even dance tunes.
Be sure to pack a picnic basket and bring the whole family to enjoy an afternoon of great authentic South African musical acts.
Tickets are available from
www.ticketbreak.co.za or selected Musica stores.
Gates open 13h00
No glass, weapons, illegal substances
Facilities available: Bar and food stalls