Lauryn Hill disappoints at Cape Town Jazz Fest

Lauryn Hill performing at Cape Town Jazz Festival photographed by Susan Wong 2012

Though award-winning Lauryn Hill was a last-minute addition to the 13th Cape Town Jazz Festival after Jill Scott withdrew from the line-up, Capetonians and music lovers from all over the world at the festival on Saturday, despite reservations, remained psyched for her headlining set.

Thousands of concertgoers packed the main stage, Kippies, and truth be told, Hill had the difficult task of following an energetic performance by Hugh Masekela with special guests Thandiswa Mazwai (Blankets and Wine alumni) and Zolani Mahola (Freshly Grounded), which left the crowd begging for more.

The crowd roared in anticipation for the US songwriter and rapper Hill, hoping to listen to renditions of tracks from her critically acclaimed ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’

Hill’s powerful live band and backup singers kicked off the set with impressive beats and intense electric guitar solos, which seemed promising.

Dressed in a flowing purple and auburn silk skirt, brown turtle neck, black leather jacket and too many accessories too count, Hill belted out tracks that seemed less than familiar with the crowd – or perhaps, the crowd simply wasn’t feeling the revamped musical arrangements.

Hill continued her set with multiple interruptions, alleging that sound problems prevented the crowd from “hearing her.”  At one point, Hill even left the stage to speak to someone backstage.

By the end of her 3rd track, disgruntled audience members began streaming out of the packed venue and headed to the other headlining acts on the 4 remaining stages.  Die-hard fans left the concert and took to social media to express their disappointment.

 

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Photo Credits:  Susan Wong

Lauryn Hill at Cape Town Jazz Festival photographed by Susan Wong 2012

Lauryn Hill at Cape Town Jazz Festival photographed by Susan Wong 2012

Lauryn Hill at Cape Town Jazz Festival photographed by Susan Wong 2012

Lauryn Hill at Cape Town Jazz Festival photographed by Susan Wong 2012

 

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