SEDIBENG.- The Diniso Kasi Arts organisation has announced a live music show to honour female artists and musicians from the Vaal region.

The talented Vaal-Jazzy duo, consisting of TRUTH (Iva-Nyaniso Diniso) and Bonakele Mendu, will perform in tribute to local icons Pat Maboe, Sophie Thapedi, Nozi, Thope M, Lebo Sekhobela, and Lerato Ramathe.

According to Diniso Kasi Arts Director Iga-Makhulu Diniso, the tribute is also dedicated to all women who love the arts, as well as women working in radio and promotions.

June 17 show to commemorate Boipatong Massacre

The concert series will run from June 6 to June 28, taking place every Saturday and Sunday at 15:00. These performances will be held at the IVA-Home Theatre at the Diniso Arts Complex in Bedworth Park, Vereeniging.

In addition to the weekend schedule, special commemorative shows are planned for mid-June. A show on June 16 will mark the Soweto Uprising, followed by a performance on June 17 to commemorate the Boipatong Massacre. Both of these special events will start at 12:00 and will be hosted at Bonakele Mendu’s home on Moshoeshoe Street, opposite Dr Nhlapo School.

Diniso described the duo as highly professional musicians who provide a vital boost to the local live music scene. Both artists bring impressive credentials to the stage.

“Each musician stands out on their own accolade, with Bonakele Mendu from Boipatong being a music graduate in jazz vocals from the South Africa State Theatre under the MC Art Institute.  TRUTH (Iva-Nyaniso Diniso) is a Sharpeville guitarist who underwent three years of one-on-one guitar tutorial with the master guitarist, Bheki Khoza.”  

They are putting the Vaal on the map

Diniso highlighted that Mendu, who is visually impaired, is a cheerful and exceptionally talented singer. He noted that she is set to bring healing to her home township of Boipatong and put the Vaal region in the spotlight with her incredible voice, comparing her potential to legendary greats like Miriam Makeba, Sibongile Khumalo, Letta Mbulu, and Celine Dion.

As they prepare for the concert series, TRUTH and Mendu are looking to recruit a costume designer, a makeup artist, a dietitian, and a sound technician to join their team.

The duo aims to use this project to work towards performing at major events like The Joy of Jazz and The Vaal Jazz Festival.

Meanwhile, this Vaal-Jazzy duo is available for private and public bookings. They can be hired to perform in front yards or backyards for family gatherings, friends’ get-togethers, birthday parties, weddings, local jazz sessions, corporate functions, and government events.

For more information, members of the public can call 084 282 9160 or WhatsApp 062 454 5315 for bookings.