It was exhilarating to be at Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts for the Golden Oldies concert, February 16, 2025, the Valentine’s weekend. The Golden Oldies is a platform which was established by entertainer Terry Fortune. The first concert was in February 2022 on the lawns at the Baxter Theatre. Fortune’s vision was to provide a space for veteran artists, with a wealth of experience who don’t always have the opportunity to play big gigs. Fortune’s yardstick was to feature 60 somethings but youngsters pop-up in the mix, so let’s not be ageist.
Since February 2022, there have been over 55 gigs, says Fortune. The concert on Sunday at Kirstenbosch Sunset Summer Concerts was the 3rd Golden Oldies concert in the gardens. The line-up included Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Mzanzi Tenors, Willie Van Zyl, Madeegha Anders, Richard Ceaser and Andrew Young.
This concert was very different to other Golden Oldie concerts that I have attended and I applaud Fortune in constantly evolving and developing the Golden Oldies platform- keeping it fresh and forever young. Thembi Mtshali-Jones delighted the crowds with Mama Themba’s wedding from the 1974 musical, Ipi N’tombi. I was amazed at how youngsters in the audience were singing along. Watch clip here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMkWsWoMT She told us that this was her first time, performing at Kirstenbosch. The star of musical theatre, stage and small screen is a national treasure and it was wonderful to be in her orbit at the Golden Oldies concert.
This concert had an amazingly mix of demographics – across the spectrum of Apartheid era classifications and there were all ages. Part of the Golden Oldies vision has been to make the concerts inclusive – to bring seniors to gigs and to also perform at community centres and spaces which offer services – residential and recreational – for seniors. Concert goers clad in fabulous orange T-shirts were in full force at the concert. On their T-shirts: Club J.O.Y – Just Average Youth Seniors Club – established 2014. Love it. See https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGL-p2wqgNK/
Marlene Le Roux (one of the MCs with Waseef Piekaan, a youngster!) was as always a tonic. She spread the message of love and kindness. We need that.
We were wowed by veteran sax player Willie van Zyl (in his 70s I am told). He also played penny whistle– delivering a stirring rendition of Mango Groove’s Special Star. Andrew Young, renowned sax player who lives in Europe, was international guest artist. He beguiled us with his sax – what a showman – getting the crowds to sing. How did Young’s inclusion in the programme come about? Fortune: “I worked with him 30 years ago. I have been in touch with him over the years. He was delighted to be on the show. So was I.”
The legendary Madeegha Anders was the headline act and charmed the crowds with her warm and energetic presence. The band and young backup singers was fabulous. Musical theatre star, 13 year old Rylan Andrew Lemmetuis made us gasp at his youthful talent. (He was in Pieter Toerien’s/Cape Town Opera’s Sound of Music). The Mzansi Tenors wowed us with opera. Congrats to Terry Fortune on this special concert, mixing and mashing up genres. It was not only a memorable experience, but also a class act in terms of programming, band, sound and lighting. This was a concert to remember and hold close in one’s memories.
✳ This Sunday, February 23, 2025, Stef Bos & Friends will be in concert. For full Kirstenbosch lineup, see https://thecaperobyn.co.za/concert-news-full-lineup-kirstenbosch-summer-sunset-concerts-2024-2025/
✳Featured image: Thembi Mtshali-Jones performed at the Golden Oldies concert at Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts. February 16, 2025. It was her first time performing at Kirstenbosch. Pic: Robyn Cohen/TheCapeRobyn.
