The Cape Town entertainment scene has a bevy of music events on offer this festive season to keep your toes tapping.
“Unity on the Square” is back for its second edition. Loukmaan Adams Productions, run by Adams and his wife and business partner, Shaakirah has partnered with the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government to host the event.
“Unity on the Square” will take place on December 17 at Greenmarket Square and will be headlined by the popular Afro-beats duo Mafikizolo. David Kramer, Emo Adams, Youngsta CPT, Salome and many other artists.
Emo Adams said he is amped to be on the line-up because he missed out on last year’s event.
“I could see from last year’s footage that it was a great time to be out. I love that Capetonians can come out and celebrate with us in song, dance and laughter,” he said.
Adams said he would base his performance on the crowd and how they react to his songs.
“I always check where the energy levels are and what the vibe is,” he added.
Adams said he look forward to supporting his brother Loukmaan’s event.
“It’s amazing knowing this is his event. We have put so much time into our events and our careers over the years,” he said.
“Being in festivals and musicals is a natural progression. I will always support him.
“Everything I have done and worked on and (every time I) needed his help, he has stepped up to the plate. Being able to contribute to this dream of his is fantastic.”
Loukmaan said they wanted to give attendees the best possible experience.
“We want to improve on what we had last year. We want to go bigger, brighter and larger to achieve that,” he said.
Adams said they would also place the focus on featuring up-and-coming talent like DJ and drummer NV Funk.
“We want up-and-coming artists to perform with established artists and not only perform on the same line-up,” he said.
“We are also including some of the legends like Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Leslie Kleinsmith and Terry Fortune, who have each paved the way.”
The Barnyard Theatre in Tyger Valley is hosting a Queen tribute show titled “We Are the Champions” until January 22 with a special event on New Year’s Eve.
If you like being outdoors, Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset concerts are a great way to enjoy local talent with friends and family. Neon Dreams, Majozi, Will Linley perform on Dec 26. On New Year’s Eve
Mi Casa and Swing City perform. While song bird Judith Sephuma perfroms on New Year’s Day.
Local artist Alistair Izobell is also back in action at the Wave Theatre with “Kaapse Jol, Volume 2”. Guest can look forward to Cape Town’s evergreen music that has been penned over the years. “Kaapse Jol Volume 2” runs until December 31.
Jive Culture Shock is also back with its third season with a different format, a musical production instead of a competition. Performances at the Baxter Theatre are on December 13, 14, 16 and 17.
The uniquely Capetonian musical production will displays the spirit of the Cape minstrels and Malay choirs.
Actor Mujahid Isaacs, who is in the production, said they were excited to put on a show for audiences.
“To be included in this production is a big honour as growing up I always attended these kinds of shows,” he said.
“We want people to attend because this is our first post-Covid-19 show and now they get to experience us live,” he added.
One of the show’s producers, Faghri Abrahams from Oddball Concepts, said the production would highlight the uniqueness of the minstrels and choirs.
“This year we want to give the audience an authentic experience of the Cape minstrels and Malay choirs,” he said.
“Many lives have been changed through these traditions that have stood the test of time and we want to show people how powerful and fun it can be,” he added.
“We want to show people that it’s okay to be proud to be authentically Capetonian and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We want to break the stereotype of people looking down on the minstrels and Malay choirs.”