Day one of the Red Bull Music Festival Johannesburg kicked off in Braamfontein on Tuesday night. The night’s performances not only were to introduce the festival but also pay heartfelt tributes to the late Winnie Madikizela Mandela who passed on Monday.
Setting the tone was DJ Leeu with his African inspired electronica mix. This then gave way to soul singers Zoe Modiga and Langa Mavuso singing tribute songs for the late mam’Winnie. The duo performed songs from our own legendary South African artists such as Busi Mhlongo, Miriam Makeba and Letta Mbulu.
These classical hits, among others, were Yise Wabant’a Bami from Busi Mhlongo, Letta Mbulu’s Music in the air and Paradise Road by Joy.
The tribute was also thrown back into the 90s with hits such as Magasman by Trompies and TkZee’s We really love this place.
Individually the singers took to the stage, with Zoe who comes straight from her European tour, performing her hit songs such as Yakhala inkomo and Langa performed his famous track, Home.
Langa will also perform on Friday alongside 340 Million and Shekhinah at the Fox Junction.
To complete the night, DJ Kenzhero closed off with a set that resembles the love of music Africa has.
The fun continues tonight with a Jazz fiesta at the Orbit where jazz heads such as Luyanda Madope, Benjamin Jephta, Sphelelo Mazibuko, Tlale Makhene and Keorapetse Kolwane, among others will be heard.