Kwela Bafana had audience members tapping their feet and singing along to memorable hits as they were taken back in time to a 1950’s Sophiatown shebeen.
Supported by a vibrant live band and executed by a cast of particularly capable vocalists, the songs making up this show are a playlist of crowd pleasers that really capture the ambience of the era.
Directors Phyllis Klotz and Small Ndaba tell the story of ordinary black South Africans who, in a time of turmoil, turn to revelry as a form of protest. Set against a bleak backdrop, serious subjects are addressed with humour, and even through such difficult times, feisty spirits stand strong. Velephi Khumalo, who plays a widowed shebeen owner, is a stand out in the show.
Other highlights include some truly spine tingling harmonies sung by the quartet of male vocalists.
So if you are up for a night of South African music and comedy, Kwela Bafana will be showing at the Artscape Theatre until the 20th of April. Tickets can be booked at Computicket or Artscapedial-a-seat on (021) 421 7695.
