By Chalotte Mokonyane
Organised by Kuhle Nqgezana, the launch featured an open mic night aimed at showcasing local talent and providing a platform for artists to shine.
Nqgezana shared, “I thought about an open mic event at Oldies around February. Over the months, I developed a close relationship with the owner, who asked me to handle the entertainment here. We began brainstorming to see what the customers needed and realised that Makhanda was hungry for live events.”
With enthusiasm from the community fueling his plans, Nqgezana noted that the idea for the open mic came after receiving multiple requests from locals eager for such an event. “After the fourth approach, I thought we should do it,” he said, highlighting the importance of community input.
The event also celebrated the transformative mural work of Phila Phaliso, an artist whose recent creations have garnered admiration. Phaliso spoke passionately about his inspiration: “The people on the wall are living legends to me. My mural work is more of an homage to the legends that are still alive.” His artwork plays a crucial role in reimagining Oldies as a space for both exhibitions and live performances.
Resident DJ Olwethu Ntsetsha shared his pride in the event’s success. “It has been a stressful two weeks for the team, but when you throw an event for people, by people, then people always show up,” he said. “It was sad to see many artists lacking a platform for self-expression. We’re excited about the recurring events we’re planning. Tonight is a win.”
Feedback from attendees echoed the event’s success. Nathan Du Preez praised the atmosphere, saying, “The event was perfect. Everyone did their own thing. It was beautiful to see a saxophone live performance.” Couples like Pamela Ganca and Silindokuhle Mdaka agreed, describing the event as an ideal Sunday outing, while Sivu captivated the audience with an impressive cover of Jealous by Labrinth.
With plans to host the open mic event on the first Sunday of every month, Oldies Bar and Restaurant is set to become a landmark in Makhanda’s cultural scene.
The launch served as a celebration of the venue’s new identity and the vibrant artistic community that thrives within the town. The spirits of music, art, and community came together, setting the stage for many more inspiring evenings to come.
