MASERU — Veteran jazz musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, 60, gave a polished performance at Manthabiseng Convention Centre last Saturday.
The South African star set the centre alight with his lively performance, belying his age.
Although he has not released any album in years Mabuse is still a joy to watch, judging by his polished performance at the weekend.
Besides, it was evident that his music is still very much appreciated along these shores.
The venue may not have been packed to the brim as expected but the auditorium was full of musical spirit.
The only negative was the sound hiccup which delayed the show almost driving revellers towards boredom.
The situation was only saved after fans began reciting Mabuse’s music from the floor to keep their spirits high.
When the sound was eventually restored the auditorium sprung into life as South African jazz star Nomhle took the stage.
And what a stage presence Nomhle has!
Local jazz musician Chopho also raised the curtains before making room for the legendary Mabuse to take over.
When Hotstix finally took to the stage he gave a polished performance worth all the pre-show vibe that had been built up.
He told his fans that while touring Lesotho he was also in search of a lesiba player to succeed his late band member ‘Ntate Thabong Phosa’.
According to Wikipedia the lesiba is a stringed-wind instrument with a quill attached to a long string that acts as the source of vibration.
The lesiba is a popular musical instrument among Basotho.
Hotstix then invited on stage Kabelo Tšehlana who is set to replace the late Phosa to perform his hit track Thaba-Bosiu.
Although the performance of the celebrated track was not that polished Hotstix said he was pleased that he had identified a potential gem in the form of Tšehlana.
“I only found this talent today and the way ntate plays the lesiba is quite breathtaking,” Mabuse said.
“I hope from now on we are going to work together and make magic on stage.”
The scores of Basotho erupted into song and ululated with joy.
As the clock ticked past midnight Mabuse went into overdrive inviting to the stage Bra Masila ‘Funkie’ Mohapi from South Africa.
The two belted out yester-year hits such as Burn-out and Shikisha.
He also played the township classic hit Jive Soweto that saw Basotho uniting in dance.
‘Moleli Montoeli, who organised the show, told the Weekender he wasn’t satisfied with the fans’ turn out.
“The show’s turnout was not satisfying. I had anticipated a sold-out concert especially because it was an indoor activity.
“But I am thankful to those that attended and graced the concert,” Montoeli said.
“We had a long pause because of sound hiccups and that was the biggest setback of the concert. To me sound is very vital; the backline from South Africa was combined with a local sound system and that a caused a delay but eventually things fell in place.”
