By Zoliswa Mdawini and Dideka Njemla
Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, even in his 70s, continues to set stages ablaze with his timeless musical prowess and electrifying performances. The Soweto-born music legend fanned flames of pure joy at the RU120 Makhanda Community Concert in the Guy Butler Theatre last Saturday.
The afternoon concert featured a thrilling roster of talent from the Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC) and the Makana Community Orchestra which left the crowd in awe. When Mabuse followed soon after, enthusiastic cheers greeted the saxophonist and drummer who was flashing a huge smile. He stepped forward toward the mic and softly began to sing.
The musician’s relentless creative spirit is accompanied by an expression that transcends generations through sound. With exhilarating performances of his iconic masterpieces, such as Burn Out, Refugee, and Jive Soweto, the audience was on its feet, vibing to classic beats from Mabuse’s signature saxophone.
The crowd’s diverse age range spanned many generations united through the power of sound and nostalgia. Does everyone know the legend and the power of his music? Absolutely — the continuous electrified cheers and joyful outbursts reflected the anticipation and eagerness everyone felt for the guest performer. The stage lights dimmed, adding a theatrical touch to the event. The backlights illuminating “RU120” highlighted the celebratory atmosphere.
In a moving interview before his performance, Mabuse shared the harsh realities of making music under apartheid. “I had to create music that people would listen to — and most of the music was banned, by the way,” he said, recalling the censorship that dogged artists at that time. He spoke about his song, ‘Refugee Come Home’. “It was important for me to write this song because of my experience,” he said. Now, at 73, he is writing his memoir, a project he speaks about with pride and purpose.
Mabuse’s resilience and connection carried through to the stage on Saturday. As the concert hit its peak, “Hotstix” closed the show with his famous song ‘Burn Out’. As the evergreen started, the crowd erupted in excitement. The catchy beat and smooth tune filled the theatre, with Mabuse’s saxophone telling a lively story. Everyone, young and old, danced and sang together, caught up in the classic song that marked a special time. When the last notes faded, the stage lights glowed brightly as “Hotstix” and his team took a bow, leaving the Makhanda community asking for more.
