Enthralling! This was the feeling at the Legends Creative Hub on Friday as muso Andile Tsako mesmerised his audience during an intimate session to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
His performance with singers Phola Zwelibanzi, Sonwabile Sunray Rwayi and Nonelelwa Phalezweni at the venue in Berea started the year with a bang.
Legends Creative Hub, started in 2013, is a dynamic, innovative incubator for 39 companies with state-of-the-art facilities and business support services for artists, musicians, filmmakers, photographers and entrepreneurs.
Legends director Gary Ndlovu said the show, The Valentine’s Experience with Andile Tsako, was the launch of a series of shows headlined by local artists.
“Artists can come here and choose a calendar date and start selling their own shows,” Ndlovu said.
“It’s part of job creation in the sector and bringing East London alive.
“We have film, podcasts studios and educational facilities.
“We are going to identify talent to record and we are opening up the centre so young creatives can find expression within the space.”
Artists who have recorded in their studio include Hugh Masekela, Dumi Mkokstad and Betusile Mcinga.
Ndlovu said the hub created about 650 jobs last year.
With the lights dimmed and the crowd buzzing with excitement, Tsako began to weave a musical spell that captivated the audience.
He performed some of his most romantic and heartfelt songs, some of which have yet to be released.
Tsako said his show was all about spreading love.
“In the olden days, music was used to fight social ills and evoke emotions,” he said. “We are still using that phenomenon.
“There are so many negative things happening, but we choose to celebrate and share love, which is something missing in our communities.”
Rwayi, a University of Fort Hare music graduate who works at the club as a voice mentor, said it was a privilege to use the space to showcase his gift and to entertain people.
“I want to touch people’s hearts through music. It means a lot for me to be able to share this platform with people I love and look up to,” he said.
Rwayi is set to have his own show to celebrate his birthday on Friday.
Fresh from sharing her talent in Turkey, Zwelibanzi said she wanted people to receive healing from her singing.
“Being in Turkey boosted my confidence and made me grow vocally. I’m happy to showcase my talent here.”
Phalezweni, who performed Ndikhethe Wena with Tsako and who has been a part of the hub since its formation, said she and her sisters recorded their first album there.
“We have a long history with the place and we understand the heart of it.”
Daily Dispatch
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