Mandisi Dyantjies
Mangaung
The second rendition of the Annual Lemo Festival held amidst fanfare over the weekend in Mangaung has received positive reviews from music revelers from all over the country. The show simply dubbed ‘Re ya Kasi” has according to music pundits exceeded all expectations and proved once again that there is abundance of talent and events management capabilities by township entrepreneurs.
This successful event celebrating music and culture was orchestrated by Freddie Kenny, the Chairperson of the Kenworth Group of companies and has surely provided opportunities for up-and-coming artists to showcase their talent whilst a bigger picture is on investment in the township economy. The provincial government had earlier endorsed the event and said it has potential to generate substantial revenue for local businesses and provide much-needed exposure for local artists and entrepreneurs and surely Lemo Fest did not disappoint.
Events held at many venues across the city made a huge impact benefitting local businesses including Chesa Nyama’s, Guest Houses, Hotels, the transport industry, entertainment venues and indeed everyone was a winner.
One of the most noted performances in the Lemo Fest Gin and Jazz event was by the inimitable Jazz international, Mandisi Dyantjies (pictured) who together with his band performed a powerful medley of songs leaving audiences begging for more. Mandisi’s sensational Xhosa songs laced with African rhythm brought the Dome ‘down’ and were surely what the doctor had ordered.
The ever-green Mafikizolo, the energetic Selaelo Selota and Bhudaza ‘monna wa mosotho’ were amongst a star-studded line up that left an indelible mark on the Dome stage making sure that revelers got their money’s worth.
Mpho Moeng a jazz music follower from Mahikeng told The Pixley Independent, “all the shows I attended were a resounding success leaving doomsayers with eggs all over their faces. I appreciated the level of professionalism from car guards outside the venue to reception at the dome itself. It’s my wish that the event grows in leaps and bounds.”
Said Gavin Moloi from Pretoria, “the infrastructure at Lemo Fest is out of this world. The organizers have outdone themselves and the venue is friendly and welcoming. Artists did not disappoint. In a nutshell, we had a jol of our lives; surely, we are back with a bigger bang next year.”
Lemo Fest organizers have thanked the community for loyal support and further called upon the community to continue supporting the remaining events including the SMME Expo (15- 16 October), Fashion Shows (17 and 19 October).
