There was something extra magical in the air at Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts on Sunday night. It could’ve been the locals making the most of their last day of leave, the celebration of Cape Town’s homegrown talent or a combination of both.

It was an evening where three Capetonians, from very different backgrounds, on very diverse musical journeys, set the stage alight with their unwavering talent. The pride oozing from the crowd was so tangible, you could reach out and touch it.

The concert season, which started on November 24 2019, has become a much anticipated outdoor music event in Cape Town, where people flock to soak up world-class live music in a unique and awe-inspiring open-air setting.

Paxton Fielies kicked off the night.

The star line-up kicked off with Idols Season 13 winner, the energetic Paxton Fielies and was followed by sultry crooner Craig Lucas – who cannot put a foot wrong when it comes to his musicality. The main act, suave and sensational Jimmy Nevis, performed on the Kirstenbosch stage for the fourth time and managed to yet again wow fans with his dynamic control of each and every note that left his soul.

Sultry singer Craig Lucas.

Nevis effortlessly raised the crowd onto their feet and kept them screaming for more until the last vibration of his voice echoed out. It’s easy to tell after last night’s performance why this is one of his favourite stages to perform on.

“This was the fourth year I performed at Kirstenbosch, and it will never lose it’s spark. I live my life day-to-day and every now and then I get to be a big deal and perform on a stage like Kirstenbosch, and it warms my heart to see how much people love my music.

“I celebrated eight years of making music, and my life in music, with the crowd and that’s so special. The fans understand me and I get to do what I love and be completely myself while doing it. To see all the young children out there enjoying my music too. You forget the impact you can make on young people and that is incredible to see as an artist. I always love the vibe there,” said Nevis.

Jimmy Nevis got the crowd dancing.

It was a showcase of Cape Town’s talent of the highest order and the audience were eating up every soulful melody. The diverse crowd was made up of people from infants to the elderly, from all walks of life. It was heartening to see Capetonians share a common passion for our local talent.

The special ingredient that makes Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts so unique is versatility. Whether you want a date night with your better half, a family picnic with the kids or a friend get-together, this is the perfect outing.

A diverse range of exceptional artists including Kwesta, Sjava, Prince Kaybee, Sho Madjozi, Shekinah, Unathi and Hip Hop sensation AKA – will take to the Kirstenbosch stage for the first time. 

On March 22, a fresh new addition is added to Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts Line-Up – The Cape Town Opera starring Pumeza Matshikiza, who has won the hearts of audience members in the world’s great opera houses (including London, Milan and Paris). This summer, Capetonians will have a rare opportunity to hear Matshikiza on home soil for an evening of gorgeous classical and African arias and duets, with the Cape Town Opera Chorus and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Jeremy Silver.
Shows go on until April 5, so there is plenty of time to book your tickets.


Book:
www.webtickets.co.za
Concert info: 021 799 8783/8620/8773

Pictures: Ivan Hendricks

Article written by

Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.