With the festive season finally nearing, it felt like FELABRATION arrived at the most ideal moment. For time, we had been seeing the prestigious event being promoted all over social media, calling upon Jazz lovers, young and old, to come together and rejoice over the cherished sound that has built such a wonderful culture in South Africa.

When we got offered the invite to attend and experience the exciting event, there was no way we could miss out. After a long Saturday consisting of VERVE work, there was only one thing that kept us going throughout the day, and the moment finally arrived when we finally stepped through the curtains of the newly relocated HEARTY COLLECTIVE and realised how special a moment this was for us.

THE MISSION

The purpose behind this celebrated event was to honour the life and legacy of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a man who brought joy into countless homes around the globe through his celebrated discography over the years.

The mission was fully achieved, immediately feeling the love and jubilation of everyone coming together to groove along to the sounds we grew up listening to (shoutouts to the parents for forcing that upon us!).

Once the evening celebrations concluded, I’m pretty convinced attendees left feeling fulfilled. Outstanding performances, a divine setting, scrumptious food, non-stop drinks, and of course, the warm community happening all at one time and place was more than anything we asked for.

And for those who were unfamiliar with the works and greatness of Fela Kuti, they surely realised why once the event came to a close. With the event occurring once every year in different city locations, I cannot wait for its return to the Mother City to create even better memories.

Captured By @okuhle_sibeko_film / Instagram

THE PERFORMANCES

By the time we had arrived, we had made it just in time to see one of the most exciting collectives in Mzansi, Operation Khataza, rock the stage. Don’t shoot me, but this was my first time actually experiencing one of their performances with my own eyes (I know that looks bad on me, but forgive me). Only then did I fully comprehend why the young group is so widely adored and appreciated, witnessing them dominate the stage with their electrifying performance.

Following Khataza was the Fela Kuti Tribute Band, who did a glorious job at capturing and expressing the sounds of the legendary performer. I found myself singing along with the tunes of the saxophone, reimagining the iconic sounds I adored from the times when I was still a kid. It honestly brought back memories of being back in my dad's car, listening to the sounds I didn't fully understand at the time, but still adored. I especially lost my mind and breath when the band went on to perform “Water No Get Enemy”, a song I don’t need to expand on why it’s so loved around the world.

And of course came the time for the headliners, Kujenga, who did what they always do best and are well known for. I was really excited for this moment as it would’ve been my first time seeing them perform their newest work off their latest offering, “Common Ground”, and boy did I savor every second of it. The vibes were phenomenal, and you could just tell how monumental a performance this was for the young and exciting collective.

Every performance was an absolute joy to experience, and they did an exceptional job at making sure the crowd received what they had been anticipating. I raise my hat to each and every one who performed their hearts out and gave us a show to forever remember.

THE VIBES

I was thrilled about experiencing a whole load of new things to see at this event. One thing I was excited to see was the new HEARTY COLLECTIVE location I hadn’t been to yet. I had previously attended countless events at their last location, so I was bleak to hear they had moved, but damn did they level up.

The wide space really felt like the perfect location to host such a worthy event. And I cannot forget the people who made the night that extra special to me. Not only did I groove alongside the many familiar faces I know, but I also had the pleasure of meeting newer faces who really made me understand why the community is deemed so precious to many in Cape Town.

It was so cool to witness everyone just having a lovely time, enjoying beautiful music together, singing together, dancing together, drinking together, eating together, and creating memories together. Moments like those are hard to come by and especially hard to forget, so I thank The Remedy for organising everything, the performers, the community, and the staff for pulling through to gift us with one of the most memorable nights I’ve had this year.

The Memories Made At Felabration

Carrying the Flame: Felabration and the New Pan-African Sound of Cape Town