Kimberley music lovers have been promised a rare treat when international superstar Jonathan Butler brings his beautiful and nourishing sounds to the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre on Sunday night.
CITY music lovers have been promised a rare treat when international superstar Jonathan Butler brings his beautiful and nourishing sounds to the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre on Sunday night.
There is already an overwhelming aura of excitement and anticipation, given the stature of the artists that will be performing live on the night, and the event is certain to be a major boost for the music and cultural ecosystems of the city.
The concert will be headlined by Cape Town-born Butler, who now calls Los Angeles home, and he will share the stage with national artists Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels as well as several local artists.
The local bands who will get the opportunity to share the stage with the international and national stars are Deekamo, Deetone and Empire jazz bands, who have equally expressed their delight at being considered to perform on such a big stage.
All that is left is for local patrons to come out to support and celebrate some of their own.
The organisers of the event, Zikmo Promotions, indicated that they would have liked to give an opportunity to more local artists but, unfortunately, the one-night-only concert could only allow for the select few that have been identified.
“Who knows, there might just be another exciting event on the horizon by the organisers,” they teased.
With tickets available for R250 from Shoprite and Checkers, members of the public have been advised to get their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as the concert is set to be a sell-out.
Local organiser Zikie Molusi also urged people to avoid the long queues by purchasing their tickets ahead of time.
“This is anticipated to be a sold-out affair, that is why the doors will open at 4pm. That is at least two hours before the first act performs. Those interested in the VIP packages are urged to contact Stumbo on 078 315 5718,” Molusi said.
Patrons are encouraged to dress comfortably in smart casual attire and urged to take all precautionary measures by safeguarding their possessions such as cellphones and personal belongings in their cars.
The local taxi association is being engaged to provide public transport.
Patrons are further urged to co-operate with security personnel as cooler boxes, glass bottles, food and dangerous weapons will not be allowed.
The organisers have arranged with vendors to sell soft drinks, food and snacks to the public.
“There will also be a cash bar available, while the public is warned not to buy tickets from any members of the public,” said Molusi. “Parking will be available and all that is required is for motorists to co-operate with the car guards and security.”
The organisers said that the concert is a culmination of “long and difficult engagements” in trying to secure a date in the busy performance schedules of both Jonathan Butler and Dr Victor.
Dr Victor, who lamented the two-year absence since he last performed for his fans in the city, is excited for Sunday’s event.
“I know it’s been a long time coming since we promised each other to do this show with the organiser and I am grateful that the perseverance is finally paying off,” said Dr Victor.
Butler confirmed that his visit to the Diamond City has been in the making in the background for a number of years.
He elaborated that coming to Kimberley after so many years conjures up good memories of when the Lyric Theatre was the main performance venue and he is delighted to know that there is a major development in the city involving the Convention Centre.
“This is Kimberley’s time to shine like a diamond,” Butler said.
