South African Jazz over FIFA at Il Ponte

Amakhomo is a jazz and hi-life music band from South Africa. They have been brought down to add that added fizz to big screen FIFA cricket at Il Ponte, Hilton Colombo. They have been playing for one month since early June and will get back home in a week or so. They produce just the kind of Afro music that make you move naturally lifting you to a world of pulsating beat that;s next to wild.

They were playing jazz when I walked in and was much appreciated and applauded by the Hilton customers who drop by for a cool evening's leisure or sport. The gym was packed to capacity with health watchers and the figure conscious. But the Jazz drew the crowds out there by the pool to enjoy a cool beer or to talk politics and business over under the stars.

Kgomotso is their female vocalist with an out going personality that is both vibrant and exuberant. She showed marked versatility as a singer and has a voice that was a cross between Diana Ross and Rihanna; quite an unusual tone that pitched the skies and touched the soul.

Oupa the bass guitarist impressed the crowds with his music while Vusimuzi who was named to carry on their family name from generation to generation played the saxophone. He was equally adept at the piano, violin and the organ I gathered. He was the main spokesman who delved deeper in to subject of African music and the cultural heritage they value back in Africa.

They all had close resemblance to Srilankan faces that they blended well with the backdrop.

One of the Founders of the literary project they named Alexandra Amakhono Project, was there as the Manager of the Band. Shimane was a friendly and dynamic South African, who has been involved with this project from its inception, where all aspects of African literature, art, crafts , music and drama is promoted and propagated throughout the world.

The Band was one of their projects to take authentic musical vibes of South Africa to every corner of the world holding workshops, training sessions and spreading the solidarity of the South African people world wide.