Despite Jackson being unable to perform due to a family bereavement, the descendants of the Mzansi music legend carried on with the show.
While disappointment at Janet Jackson's absence was evident in the turnout at Dstv Delicious Festival, it was the South African family ties that underpinned the two-day festival.
The 11th annual food and music festival took place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in the Midlands on the country's coldest weekend and although Jackson was absent due to a family bereavement, the descendants of the Mzansi music legend carried on the show.
Family Ties
of 30 years of creative freedom The tribute show took centre stage at this year's festival, paying tribute to South African music icons including Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Lucky Dube, Lebo Mathosa and Mandoza.
On Saturday, Mandoza's sons Tokolo and Harry Tshabalala paid a fitting tribute to their father, performing some of the late kwaito legend's signature songs. Nkalakata, Respect for life and India.
His brother Harry, with his onstage demeanor and the bald head and sunglasses his father regularly wears, led audiences to believe Mandoza had returned from the dead.
On Sunday, Johnny Clegg's son Jesse performed some of his father's classic songs. Impi and African Scattering.
Performing British pop music, Jesse flawlessly sang his father's songs imbued with maskandi guitar riffs and sounds, which were well received by the audience.
of 30 years of creative freedom The tribute show was sponsored by the National Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Saturday's tribute was hosted by Mzwakhe 'RobotBoii' Mbuli Jr., while Sunday's tribute show was fronted by his father, poet Mzwakhe Mbuli Snr.
Also read: Mandoza's son introduces himself to the industry in a music talent contest
Hugh Masekela's nephew, Selema Wright, performed his uncle's hit songs. The rapper also sang his uncle's classic song, “Stimela,” and rapped on the song.
Before Selema took to the stage, the band, especially the horn section, Grazing It showcased Masekela's unique trumpet playing style.
The late Sibongile Khumalo's children, Ayanda Khumalo and her brother Tshepo Mngoma, paid tribute to their mother. Tando's Groove– Ayanda sang beautifully. It was as if Sibongile herself was singing. Her brothers also sang their mother's songs. Mayrom.
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A bland tribute to AKA
While the aforementioned tributes served their purpose, Saturday's tribute to AKA was poor to say the least.
Yanga Chief's performance would likely have irritated the late Kiernan Forbes in his grave, appearing drunk and at times forgetting the lyrics to AKA's biggest hits.
At the ProKid tribute, Reason, Touchline, Maggz, Redbutton and others performed pieces from the rapper's illustrious catalogue, while at the AKA tribute, only Yanga attempted a decent performance.
Robot Boy joined him onstage towards the end, but the tribute to AKA seemed like an afterthought for the organizers, who should have brought other AKA collaborators on stage to pay tribute to him.
Related stories: “This is the year of the artist,” said MacKenzie, whose department sponsors the Delicious Festival's Celebration of Democracy.
Busta's showmanship
American showmanship is one of their greatest exports, and US rapper Busta Rhymes demonstrated that on Saturday night.
The award-winning rapper was tapped to fill in for Jackson just days before the festival, and judging by his incredible performance, you'd think he'd known about the event for months.
During the hour-long performance, the 52-year-old, whose real name is Trevor George Smith Jr., Break your neck and Put your hands where I can see.
One of the last songs he performed was a new one. Let's play Busabus Pt.2 It has a TikTok vibe in that it encourages listeners to do the “Basta Dance.”
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