Mafikizolo to hit Windhoek with classics

Most will remember them for their ‘Emlanjeni’ hit from 2003, which some only know as “I Will Meet You at the River”.

After little over a decade since they last performed in Namibia, South African duo Mafikizolo are set to be the main act at a concert slated for mid-August.

Themed ‘Mafikizolo Live in Windhoek’, the concert is the initiative of Event Solutions in collaboration with Kasi Vibe Namibia and Amorlamor Promotions.

The concert is slated for 16 August at Doc Jubber Hockey Field.

Event organiser Rusten Basson says concertgoers should expect a spectacular and memorable show as Mafikizolo will be offering some of their classic hits.

“Although we are targeting all age groups, the band will be performing their old songs that are known by many,” he says.

Basson says attendees are in for a diverse line-up of musical acts, DJs and snacks.

Local bands 4×4 Too Much Power, Hot Pocket Band and Uncle and Friends have promised to give their best live performances.

“Namibia, I hope you’re ready. We can’t wait to vibe with you. Get your tickets now and let’s create memories,” the duo said on Instagram.

Sigera jazz and fusion band member Carlos Kambaekwa says although he is not a great fan of Mafikizolo, he believes their genre is cool for the young generation.

“But to be brutally honest, they play some catchy songs. I must confess, I like the beat, melody and stage performance. I’m certain they won’t disappoint people,” he says.

“Locals really need this kind of exposure,” he says.

Kambaekwa says the entrance fees, which are between N$300 and N$500, are a bit steep, which may put people off.

However, Basson says the high cost was caused by the high number of group reservations needed to bring the duo to Namibia.

“It has cost us around N$250 000 to convince the band to come to Namibia and we need to have a return on investment, hence the high cost,” he says.

Mafikizolo is a South African Afro-pop group formed in 1996.

The group rose to fame after releasing ‘Ndihamba Nawe kuphela’, ‘Kwela Kwela’, ‘Sibongile’, and ‘Udakwa Njalo’.

They released their first album, ‘Mafikizolo’, in 1997 and ‘Music Revolution’ in 1999.

In 2000, the band released their third album, ‘Gate Crashers’, which became their best-selling album.

Mafikizolo has won 14 South African Music Awards and two MTV Africa Music Awards.

Tickets to the concert are available at Pick n Pay and the event is scheduled to start at 16h00.