East Coast Radio Durban Day a massive success

East Coasters turned out in their numbers to revel in the festivity of East Coast Radio Durban Day, presented by Durban Tourism, on Sunday. Close to 14 000 concert goers of all ages jammed along 

to eight of South Africa’s top acts at People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The almost 14 000 strong crowd at East Coast Radio Durban Day

East Coast Radio Marketing Manager Renee Burton says, “We’re thrilled with the response to this Funsunzi family day out. The strong winds earlier in the day delayed the start of the event somewhat, due to safety reasons. But concert goers and the performers were very understanding.”

Although East Coast Radio Durban Day brings some of the country’s hottest acts to KwaZulu-Natal it is also an opportunity to showcase up and coming local talent. Through the station’s Be the Band competition The Kickstands had the opportunity to open the day. They were followed by pop sensation Toya Delazy, who brought fans to their feet. Zakes Bantwini also wowed the crowd with songs from his latest album. The ever-popular Mango Groove was fantastically received as was soulful solo artist Lira.

             Lira on stage at East Coast Radio Durban Day 

As the evening fell, Prime Circle, Mi Casa and Goldfish lit up the stage and took the crowd into party mode to end off the fantastic day.

(Source - East Coast Radio) 

Article by +Fred Felton 

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Gearing up for East Coast Radio Durban Day & A Jazz Jol

Artists and fans alike are gearing up for East Coast Radio Durban Day, presented by Durban Tourism, which is just over a week away. Eight bands will take to the stage at Moses Mabhida’s Peoples Park on Sunday 8 September. Gates open at 11h30 and the winners of East Coast Radio’s ‘Be the Band’ competition, the Kickstands, will welcome the crowds.

They’ll be followed by local lass Toya Delazy and then Zakes Bantwini who originally hails from Durban. He says he sees the event as an opportunity to, “Perform for people I grew up with and who come from places where I’ve walked and from the streets where I use to play as a child.” Mango Groove’s Claire Johnston says historically, quite a few of the band members are also from Durban. She says, “Some of our favourite concerts ever have been in Durban it also has a special place in our heart. It feels like coming home.”

East Coast Radio Durban Day showcases the best in talent from across the country and other acts include Prime Circle, Mi Casa, Lira and Goldfish. Electronic duo Goldfish will be the final act of the day. The band’s Dominic Peters says they’re really looking forward to it, “We love playing in Durban. The crowds are always up for anything and that energy is something we really feed off during our show. An energetic crowd co-creates the experience as much as we do.”

The event is an opportunity for families to enjoy great music in a laidback setting and concert goers can bring along their own picnic baskets with food or by from vendors on the day. No beverages will be allowed, these will be on sale. Other prohibited items include umbrellas and gazebos. Parking will be available at the Mustering Fields opposite the Kings Park swimming pool for R20 per vehicle.

Tickets are available from Computicket for R150 each. Children under the age of 12 enter for free. For more information visit www.ecr.co.za.

(Source - East Coast Radio) 

UKZN Standard Bank Jazz Jol

(ILdo Nandja of Afro Latino)

                                            

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal will host the 25^th Edition of the very popular Standard Bank Jazz Jol on Saturday, 31 August at 19:00pm with the likes of Cape Town resident Shane Cooper, Kesivan Naidoo, Africa Plus and Mozambican quartet Afro Latino to take the stage.

With the event having become a popular feature on the Durban calendar, this year’s event will feature the recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award 2013, bassist Shane Cooper with the event having featured last year’s Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Afrika Mkhize. Sharing the stage with Shane Cooper will be members of his band which consist of previous Standard Bank Young Artist winner Kevisan Naidoo on the drums, Reza Khota on the guitar and Justin Bellairs on the alto saxophone.

The young and exciting Durban based trio of Africa Plus consist of Prince Bulo on the bass, Sphelelo Mazibuko on the drums and Lungelo Ngcobo on the piano and keyboards. Their musical influence is drawn from rich traditional African elements with the base drawn from Western advanced harmonies. Formally trained at the University of KwaZulu-Natal this vibrant outfit full of rhythmic complexities and melodies that include mainly original music composed by the band are sure to entertain audiences.

The Mozambican quartet of Afro Latino will bring the night to a close and they consist of guitarist and vocalist Milton Chissano who provides the Latin grooves to the group, Ildo Nandja as percussionist and bassist, Alberto Chemane on the percussion and drums and lastly Njabulo Shabalala on the percussion.

Proceeds from the concert go towards the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship which is a scholarship that assists disadvantaged jazz students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with general support, financial aid, and bursaries. The scholarship also helps fund the travelling and accommodation costs for educational festivals such as the National Youth Jazz Festival held annually in Grahamstown along with workshops and conferences.

Tickets are R 100 (R 80 for pensioners and R 50 for students) there are early bird discounts of R 80 and group discounts for pensioners at R 75 for groups of ten. To book your tickets you can call Thulile Zama on (031) 260-3385 or e-mail her on Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za, tickets will also be available at the door on the night.

(Source - Standard Bank Jazz Jol and UKZN) 

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Top artists excited about East Coast Radio Durban Day

Seven of South Africa’s biggest names in the music industry are gearing up to rock Durbanites at East Coast Radio Durban Day presented by Durban Tourism on Sunday 8 September at People’s Park. Most artists will be bringing new sounds from their latest albums.

Zakes Bantwini - Pic ECR

Popular solo artist Zakes Bantwini, who is passionate about his hometown Durban, says “Concert goers can expect a sneak peek into how my next album is going to sound as I’ll be playing a couple new tracks which haven’t been performed live before.”

Goldfish - Pic ECR 

 The electronic duo that makes up Goldfish is excited to be back in South Africa after three months touring. The band’s Dominic Peters says, “We've got our brand new album Three Second Memory coming out in October so you'll get a sneak preview. Durban gets to hear it first!”

Mi Casa’s new album, Su Casa, will be released just in time for East Coast Radio Durban Day. The band’s J and Mo-T say the audience can expect, “Brand new music, a whole new show on just a whole new level of energy.” 

Of her performance, singer songwriter Lira says, “Along with all the fan favourites, I am also looking forward to performing my new single called Eduze Kwami.”

Prime Circle - Pic ECR

Prime Circle’s frontman Ross Learmonth says they’re also extremely excited to be part of this year’s Durban Day, “We will be playing songs from all of the albums from old to new and are going to set the stage on fire. It's going to be a lot of fun!” 

Mango Groove - Pic ECR

So what can concert goers expect from Mango Groove? “Very much a ‘Greatest Hits’ set with lots of familiar songs, lots of singing along and a big party all round!” is what the acclaimed band’s Claire Johnston says.

Aside from the big names, winners of the station’s Be the Band competition – The Kickstands will also take to the stage. East Coast Radio held the on-air competition to find an opening act from Durban’s large up and coming local talent pool. Be sure not to miss this family friendly musical showcase. Tickets are available from Computicket for R120 until midday on Thursday 15 August, thereafter they will be R150. For more information visit www.ecr.co.za.

(Source - East Coast Radio) 

Article by +Fred Felton 

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Here comes Durban Day

Durban Day Line-up announced.

An aerial shot of the crowds at Durban Day last year. 

East Coast Radio Durban Day will take place on Sunday 8 September 2013 at Moses Mabhida’s Peoples Park. This annual family-orientated music showcase will see a host of South Africa’s top bands take to the stage. The full line-up includes soulful songstress Lira, house band Mi Casa, the timeless Mango Groove, local lass Toya Delazy, dance group Goldfish, popular solo artist Zakes Bantwini, rock band Prime Circle and winners of the station’s ‘Be the Band’ competition – The Kickstands.

East Coast Radio’s Trish Taylor says, ‘We’re so excited about this year’s line-up. Not only does it feature some of the biggest names on the South African music scene at the moment, there is also something for everyone. East Coast Radio Durban Day has become a massive event in the province and sees families and friends come together to enjoy the best in local music in a laid-back setting.”

Mango Groove’s unique blend of South African sounds has captivated audiences around the world, but the band’s Claire Johnston says, “We love Durban, there is something about the atmosphere. It is very relaxed and I like the people there.” She isn’t alone, all the other acts are also excited about coming to Durban, Mi Casa’s Mo-T says, “It’s always good to come and perform in Durban, whatever we do on stage the audience just responds well.”

Lira who was part of last year’s line-up says she loves East Coast Radio Durban Day, “It is a lovely mix of Durbanites from all walks of life, I absolutely love the vibe.” Toya Delazy, who also formed part of last year’s bill, says concert goers can expect a completely new show, “It is going to be more band-based, the dancers are still there but it’ll be funkier than last time. There will also be new songs, of course.”

Prime Circle’s Ross Learmonth is also looking forward to it, “I love playing in Durban. We will be bringing songs from all our albums and some of our new stuff too.” Zakes Bantwini, who is currently working on his new album says, “My new album is going to be done so I’m going to be performing my new songs. That is one thing that I am very excited about.”

Tickets are available from Computicket for R120 each for a limited time only, thereafter they will be R150, so get yours today. For more information visitwww.ecr.co.za. 

(Source - East Coast Radio) 

Bit of interesting info for you dear reader. 

Last year 10 753 people went to Durban Day.  

Article by +Fred Felton