Good music ends Maputo's 130th anniversary celebration Boa

At the launch of this event, Jimmy Dludlu, Judith Sephuma, Oliver Mtukudzi and Banda Kakana, the artists lined-up, promised to “wow” the show. The promise was duly fulfilled and, in a highly artistical way.

The 800 people who packed the Polana Hotel tent to watch the show had a great deal of fun with the varied and diverse songs performed by the artists on stage.

The show started with the recital of a poem dedicated to Maputo city, followed by the performance of Banda Kakana who, with songs from their two albums, “Juntos” and “Serenata”, opened the event, preparing the public for what was still to come.

Oliver Mtukudzi also wanted to make a big return to Mozambique, a country he considers his home. He danced, sang and entertained the audience, performing several songs that are part of his vast musical repertoire. With the sensational “Todi” he took the public to the roof.

The soft rhythm returned to the room with the performance of Judith Sephuma. Without wanting to agitate the already agitated room, the South African singer explored her exceptional voice touching the souls of the audience. With songsfrom her album “A Cry, A Smile, A Dance”, released in October 2001, she dismissed the accompanying choristers on stage to be assisted by the audience in each line of her songs, in a harmony of voices.

Finally, Jimmy Dludlu took the stage to once again amaze Mozambicans with songs from several albums, most notably the latter, “The Groove”, released in September 2016. He performed the usual “medley”, which starting from traditional Mozambican songs, he recreated those of Michael Jackson.

Jimmy Dludlu provided a brilliant show and did not allow people to sit down until he finished his performance. In fact, on several occasions he left the stage, to be with public and make them an integral part of the party that was the 1st edition of the Standard Bank Acacia Jazz Festival.

Chuma Nwokocha, Standard Bank managing director, the festival promoter, was clearly pleased, especially with the public’s attendance. “We are satisfied with what we have seen. We had full house and lots ofentertainment. The exciting atmosphere experienced in this memorable show speaks for itself”, he said.

Chuma Nwokocha also explained that Standard Bank decided to organize this festival as a way to keep the bank closer to its customers, as well as to strengthen national culture and tourism.

“The Government has defined culture and tourism, as strategic pillars for economic development, and we organized this cultural event with that in mind”. He concluded.

Maputo City Mayor, David Simango, who was also present at the event, described the festival as the highest mark of the festivities of Maputo’s 130th anniversary celebrated on 10th November. “This party was organized by two centenarian entities in the country, Standard Bank, with 123 years and Maputo City with 130 years. Our citizens deserve a festival of this dimension”, said David Simango.