Represent Review: Omar Pene
How we wish we could have been there to get down with The Matrix as he swung his hips to Senegalese rhythms transfixed by the backing singers agility. Despite his opening sentence, we’re sure he had no problem doing the kwasa-kwasa at Kippies:
Change is good they say, but I have to admit, I’m a bit nervous when it comes to dealing with cultural adjustments and their resulting (pre-requisite) behaviour. Well, to sift through the chuff – I plunged head first into unbeknown territory when I marched into Newtown’s legendary Jazz club – Kippies International – to attend the live music show from Senegal’s jazz star: Omar Pene.
The atmosphere on 66 Quinn Str (Cnr Carr) was made lively by the opening act: Nathi and the Band performing a remix of the famous “Mangwane Mpulele” with all of us automatically joining in! The mood became emotional as we all listened as one to the poignant title track: Soze- a dedication to his late sister who passed away from an AIDS related illness. Nathi has dedicated the track to all live with HIV/AIDS. (Nathi/Soze, the album is out on sale now!)
Apart from the annoying bankcard machines being offline, the ambience was groovy, welcoming and conducive to a good night in Jozi`s cultural heartland – Newtown.
Then came the cultural twist as Omar Pene took us on a hip-swinging journey of authentic Senegalese dance floor tunes, even the Matrix lost all control and hit the dance floor Big Time. Kippies had a true multicultural audience on Friday; all paying homage to the singing sensation that is Omar Pene; there were us Darkies (dressed to shame the devil as usual), Whities in their droves (well prinked up too admittedly!) and enthusiasts of all sorts! Omar had us eating out his hands as we got down to the elaborate “Kwasa-Kwasa” dance of North West African origins, shaking it till the end.
At one point I found myself multitasking as I gasped, stared and pondered on how horrified the Teasers girls would be if they could witness the things which Mr. Pene`s lead backup singer and beloved daughter could do with (just) her hips (Ka Mmago!!!).
Omar Pene came to South Africa to perform at the Durban Film Festival, but owing to the dedication of Africa Synergy and the support of Kaya FM to the continuous development of a cultured Jozi inner City, Kippies international became the proud host of this ingenious and indigenous Senegalese artist. Nothing could have been more befitting and so rewarding!
How grateful we are to have such culturally inclined international music supporters such as Africa Synergy, Kippies International and Kaya FM. For loads of jazz and a well deserved night out at Newtown`s cultural portals and treasure pods, please visit Kippies International (http://www.kippies.co.za/), Africa Synergy (http://www.africansynergy.net/) and http://www.newtown.co.za/
Reuben-the Matrix-Malema
