Hordes of revellers got to groove to thumping beats when the Johannesburg Zoo’s 119th birthday was celebrated with an epic party that was the talk of the town. The #JazzInTheLights concert on Saturday, 11 March was the highlight of the festivities lined up to celebrate the Joburg Zoo this March.
It drew thousands of music-loving revellers from all walks of life who packed the animal facility on Upper Park Drive in Parkview.
With an incredible line-up of talented artists that included Mdu Mtshali, Spha Mdlalose, Thandi Ntuli, Samthing Soweto, Phumekhemisi, Mandisi Dyantyis, Stogie T, Dumza Maswana, Neo Joshua, African Jazz Pioneers, and Mahotella Queens, the stage was set for an unforgettable show under the musical direction of Sydney Mavundla.
The beautifully decorated Johannesburg Zoo bandstand stage was the perfect setting for the concert, as partygoers danced and ululated in the glorious sunshine, into the night.
Even the high-profile guests, including MMC for Community Development, Cllr Lubalo Magwentshu and his Group Corporate and Shared Services counterpart, Cllr Loyiso Masuku, were impressed by the electrifying music and the incredible atmosphere.
But the real star of the show was the Executive Mayor, Cllr Thapelo Amad, who planted a tree to signify the 119 years of the Joburg Zoo’s existence and to encourage unity in the country.
“We need to ensure that our local artists are well supported and appreciated for their talents,” said the Mayor, adding that it was quite special engaging with the artists from ‘Jazz in the Lights’ alongside MMCs.
The #JazzInTheLights concert was part of the annual Arts Alive International Arts Festival, allowing families to enjoy the scenic gardens of the Joburg Zoo and an opportunity to engage on an educational tour of the Zoo.
The concert was a bustling, enigmatic yet fulfilling experience of music, food, connection, and conversation.
And as the night drew to a close, it was the music of the popular Dyantyis that got the crowd wild, as they reminisced on struggle songs and church hymns.
The #JazzInTheLights was a true celebration of life, music, and the magic of the Johannesburg Zoo.
Written by Namhla Sithole
13/03/2023