Music legend’s birthday bash
Newtown – Music lovers recently converged at the Market Theatre on Saturday to celebrate the 80th birthday of legendary musician Caiphus Semenya.
Among those who attended the event were
popular artistes. Politicians who included Julius Malema, Dali Mpofu, Kgalema Motlanthe, Nathi Mthethwa, Tembeka Ngcukayithobi, Floyd Shivambu, Given Mkhari, Nomsa Manaka, and Gauteng Arts, Sports and Recreation MEC Mbali Hlophe were also there.
The celebration was made up of music and dance performances, poetry and comedy. There was also a narration of Semenya’s life story by Brenda Sesane and Sello Maake ka Ncube.
Musicians who performed during the event included Sipho Mabuse, Tsepo Tshola, Siphokazi, Zwai Bala, Gugu Shezi, Zoe Modiga and Nokukhanya Dlamini.
Semenya thanked everyone, including a band that was put together to celebrate him, for a sterling job. He also presented one song, Ndiphendule.
“This event was not my idea; I had thought I would buy myself a special bottle and celebrate with my friends. But my wife Letta felt that we should do something this big. She said this will give me a chance to tell South Africa about my school,” Semenya said.
