Lady.Smith.Black.Mambazo [Live In Nairobi]

How’dy do folks!!

Hope you are well and enjoying the summer heat as I am.

I have been off the radar for a while and again I do apologize, but I figured I might come back with a post to try and quench your thirst (assuming you were thirsty)

It had been a minute since I shot a concert so needless to say, I was among the throngs that made their way to the Impala grounds this past Sunday afternoon. The classical fusion, a Safaricom sponsored musical affair, was teeming with life and anxiety as an estimated 12,0000 people (up from last year’s 6,000) hustled their way about looking for the best spots to get a glimpse of the promised action.

I, like many others, was there to witness the legendary and super talented South African accapella group, LadySmith Black Mambazo perform for the very first time in East Africa. For those who grew up in the era where T.V comprised only one channel (VoK) and which started at 4pm, you will recall some of their priceless performances such as “Homeless”, “Diamonds on the Soles”, “Shosholoza”, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” among other hits, aired on Urtna, if my memory serves me well.

So you can imagine my surprise as others left immediately after Sauti Sol’s performances…..

All in all, it was a concert that will long live in memory of those who attended. From the nostalgic songs, to the energy displayed by LadySmith’s members (Tshabalala is 71 years old!),  to the emergence of local jazz talent, of particular worthy mention, one Kato_Change.

The only blemishes to an otherwise successful concert lay in 2 areas: The poor sound and unprofessional security.

My challenge to event organizers is to bear in mind photographers’ perspectives as they plan the  stage layout and subsequent movement. After all, we are the ones who can make your event look rubbish or great through what we capture. Is it too much to ask to have a photo pit?

~El Fin~