Langa Mabena
Langalakhe Mabena
REFURBISHED Kasi Nightspot Emakhandeni Cricket Club has added a unique flair to its ever-evolving repertoire of activities and events, introducing live band sessions on Saturdays to give a different taste to its patrons.
The club which has become a hit in the western suburbs located at Emakhandeni is one of the leisure centres which needs to be visited during the festive season as its feel and touch promotes township tourism — something that diasporans need to experience.
The live band sessions started in April and the movement has since gained momentum — with different bands who are regularly given the platform such as Band Fusion and Ramsey Kay and the Big Ray band, managing churning out sold-out gigs.
Sifiso Mtutuki, who is the club’s manager, said among the entertainment initiatives they offer, the live band sessions have become a major drawcard, attracting massive numbers on Saturdays.
“We are best known for playing township-inspired music from your Splash, Mbaqanga, Afro Jazz and a bit of new school music and this is something that has kept us going.
“We noticed that there are a number of local bands which do cover songs on most of the genres that we pride ourselves in dishing out for our patrons, hence, we decided to work together with these guys and invite them to our premises and the Saturday’s movement of live band sessions was born.
“We started early this year in April and each edition of the weekly event attracts massive crowds, proof that the formula is working. We are working with several bands on this initiative as they rotate weekly to provide entertainment for our patrons.
“Last month, we staged a band festival, where different groups clashed and the festivities were a success. As we head into the festive season, we have managed to select the city’s top bands who will be providing entertainment on Saturdays.
“They will also be playing on other days because people are willing to go all out during the festive season and we are ready to meet the demand,” said Mtutuki.
Band Fusion’s Lungile Ndlovu acknowledged the opportunities that were brought by the sessions at Emakhandeni as he said the initiative allows them to connect with their potential followers at the same time giving them something to put on the table.
“For almost a year now we have been performing at Emakhandeni and the experience is always amazing as we perform to people who actually understand the kind of cover songs that we play.
“The opportunity has been wonderful to us and other bands in the city as we rotate weekly allowing everyone to have a piece of the cake. As we are in the festive mood, we promise fireworks on every performance we will stage at the club,” said Ndlovu.
Online Reporter