Kerry-Anne and I were invited to watch the legendary Johnny Clegg performing at AquaFestival at the V&A Waterfront last night. This year is the first AquaFestival, and if last night's performance, vibe and setting were anything to go by, I can only imagine that the performances over the remaining week and a half will be magical, and that the festival will definitely be back next year!
You can't see it in the photo above, but in this photo you'll see that the entire stage on which the band performed was floating about 5 metres off the pier in the V&A's yacht basin. Table Mountain, the setting sun, beautiful yachts, and the city lights filled the background to make the setting comparable in beauty to that of the Kirstenbosch concerts.
Johnny Clegg is performing again on Monday night (at 20h30), and I think there are still a few tickets up for sale. Even if you can't make that show, check out the circus that's performing at 14h00 every day until Thursday, or book tickets for the evening ABBA or ballet shows; tickets cost between R60 and R250, depending on the show.
P.S. In case you're concerned about the persistent wind we've been having - I can't speak for the shows that I haven't been to, but there was only the slightest of breezes in the yacht basin last night, which was a freakin' fantastic break from the wind we've been enduring!
Dan Shout
Really cool pic! I was playing sax and keyboard for Johnny. Would love to see any other great pics you may have taken!
Warm Regards,
Dan Shout
Paul
Post authorHey Dan,
Thanks for a great show on Saturday! We really had a good time.
I’m not sure if perhaps you missed the albums that I uploaded? Check them out here: http://www.capetowndailyphoto.com/photo-album/aqua-festival-2009/johnny-clegg-and-his-band-at-aquafestival-2009/
There are a few photos of you in the album. At one point there was a cool interaction between you and Johnny – which I unfortunately just missed… this shot was taken moments after:
http://www.capetowndailyphoto.com/photo-album/aqua-festival-2009/johnny-clegg-and-his-band-at-aquafestival-2009/img_1940/
I struggled to get close up shots of you because in the first three songs (the only for which we were allowed to be close to the stage) there was a hell of a lot of smoke (and little light, if I remember correctly) towards the back of the stage.
Again, thanks for the show, it really was awesome.
Cheers
Paul.
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jeff
was visiting from the states,staying at cape grace hotel and was extremely fortunate to hear the music from our balcony overlooking the marina.loved the african sound and would love to know some of the songs he and the band performed.as a fan of paul simon,found out that he and lady mombassa were on the graceland album and also won a grammy for their other work.please let me know the songs they played and what album may feature similar music.
thanks,
concerts of dec.26 and 27 jeff
Paul
Post authorHi Jeff,
I actually wondered whether or not the music was bothering people at the Cape Grace. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
I checked out Amazon, and here are a few links to the albums that may interest you (note that they are affiliate links). The concert comprised several songs from over the decades, so you’ll find that it was a couple of songs from several albums:
Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World
(I have this album)
Johnny Clegg with Savuka & Juluka – Live! and More…
The Best of Juluka
In My African Dream
JOHNNY CLEGG with SAVUKA and JULUKA Live and More… 150 Mins
If you can get one of the DVDs I think you’ll enjoy it, if only to see the stage act.
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