A while back I saw Jack Parow & Van Coke Kartel at Kirstenbosch, and put a few photos up for the competition on the Summer Sunset Concerts’ Facebook group. The group admin was kind enough to give me 2 free tickets to a Feb concert of my choice for this one.
There were a couple of acts I was quite keen to see: Zebra & Giraffe, Isochronous, Jesse Clegg and then there was Loyiso…my mom’s a big fan, I hadn’t heard anything of his before but was curious and got the impression from his Idols appearances that he was a really nice guy – so that was settled.
I hadn’t heard (of) his supporting act Chad Saaiman either, and while it’s not really my favourite type of music, I enjoyed his set and voice in particular.
Acapella sextet Perfect Score sang 2 songs while Loyiso’s band set up; I’m a sucker for harmonies so quite enjoyed their medleys.
The crowd then errupted as Loyiso, a huge smile on his face, walked out on to the stage. He was great, and more on the funk/soul side than the R&B side I’m delighted to say (I have no tolerance for R&B…) with a great voice and the friendliest/warmest of stage presences. He was backed by an equally warm group of musicians, and joined by 17 year old knockout Axene on one track, and Chad Saaiman who returned to duet on the encore.
I love watching musicians who are enjoying themselves (except when they’re the only ones enjoying themselves that is…) because that honest joy is infectious, and that totally was the case on Sunday. By the end of his performance, Loyiso had the crowd standing, swaying and singing along, ensuring everyone left smiling and feeling happy – the perfect end to a summer Sunday if you ask me.
