Muthoni, the Drummer Queen and Nigerian Kokomaster, D’Banj, were on stage with other African musicians at the closing ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations tourney in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday. Both musicians were among the performers who paved the way for the match between finalists: Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
Muthoni and Nigerian Kokomaster, D’Banj, stood out among a mainly South African line-up, which included singer Zonke, South African band, Mi Casa – fresh from a performance in Kenya – vocalist Kelly Khumalo, Big Nuz and DJ Tira among others.
D’Banj said: “I am thrilled to be in South Africa, to perform at the African Cup Of Nations tournament final and to be in this amazing stadium! I’m even more excited to share this same platform with my brothers, the ‘Super Eagles’ and all Africans around the world. As a Nigerian, I’m proud that my great country, Nigeria, is in the AFCON 2013 final. We must thank God. I am so happy for Africa.
“Participating in the closing ceremony is a proof of a wonderful way to start the year,” comments Zonke. “The show represents a wonderful platform to reach a huge audience, and showcase what we have to offer. I’m a big fan of artistic collaborations, and I also love live performances – the immediate, real-time response you get from the audience is unrivalled – so this show combines some of my favourite things about being a performing artist. It’s going to be an incredible evening of excellent African entertainment! All eyes have been on this tournament for the past three weeks, and the focus on Sunday was expected to be intense!” comments Kelly Khumalo.
“The creative team has put together SUCH a great production, it’s going to blow everyone away – I’m so glad to be a part of it! “So far, 2013 has been a blessed year for us,” enthused Joao, Micasa’s lead vocalist.
“Being able to perform at the conclusion of Africa’s hugest football tournament, with artists who we have so much respect for, is a real honour. We’re going to pull out all the stops – this is our favourite kind of performance, and we plan to rock it HARD!”
Thembesile says: “Being a part of the closing ceremony is definitely a career highlight! The entire tournament has been so exciting, it’s got the whole continent fixated – I’m thrilled to be a part of the event that rounds it all up! My performance will highlight what the African continent is about!
“Being a part of the closing ceremony has been so inspiring,” Muthoni comments.
“The incredible creative concept, the camaraderie among performing artists and dancers, not to mention the thrill of performing to such a large audience – I’m loving every part of it!”
The Kenyan Drummer Queen was picked because of her ‘edgy’ music, which was ‘representative of urban Africa’.
“I got a call on Monday… asking if I’m available and interested. They said they like my sound, citing pieces such as Welcome to the Disco… They made everything happen in 48 hours and here I am now,” she told Capital Lifestyle.
“I feel incredibly happy. Super blessed. It’s a honour to be part of the celebration. Africa Cup is a big deal. The final is such a big deal. And I get to contribute something to the finale. I get to chill with all these musicians and their management with no pressure, so the conversations are real and bear real potentiality,” she cooed.
Thousands were in attendance during the 30 minute show, and more than one billion people were supposed to be tuned via TV or the internet to watch the ceremony – a massive achievement for any artist and not just Muthoni. Goodwill ambassador and musician, Yvonne Chaka, kicked off the performances with a small word on Malaria, under the United Against Malaria campaign that several African footballers are ambassadors for. An excited Muthoni has already rubbed shoulders with Nigerian hero footballers, Mikel Obi and Victor Moses.
No comments:
Post a Comment