South African pop band Mafikizolo will use the Kenyan podium on Sunday to strengthen their musical comeback across the continent.
The two-person band is the main show-stopper at the 29th edition of Blankets and Wine this weekend, alongside Aziza, Maia Von Lekkow, and birthday girl Muthoni the Drummer Queen.
Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza will be playing tracks from their latest album Six Mabone, and it’s also anticipated that they will do all-time Kenyan favourite ‘Ndihamba Nawe’.
Touchdown is Saturday evening before a warm up session on Sunday morning.
Aziza and Maia will ready the Blankets and Wine crowd before an energy upsurge via Muthoni and Mafikizolo.
The group from SA made its debut in 1997 with a self-titled album that was followed by Music Revolution in 1999. In 2000, they released their most successful album Gate Crashers, which contained smashers like “Majika” and “Loot”.
At the height of their career in December 2001, the group was involved in a near tragic accident, which only served to lump them closer and the next year, Sibongile was born.
One of their group members, Tebogo Madingoane, died in 2004 putting them out of action for briefly. Mafikizolo is now back with their 7th album Six Mabone, named after a classic car of the 60s.
While promising an action packed performance, the event organizers have called on the festival goers to be cautious on Sunday.
In response to minor theft cases reported at the last event, B&W’s Sandra Chege says the number of uniformed and plains-clothe security guards have been boosted to maintain complete security.
She also gave a few pointers on the Facebook Group:
– You need not bring along all your valuables to a festival since all the entertainment you could want will be at your fingertips. Taking valuables is simply putting yourself at risk, and having your experience in the sun ruined.
– Don’t leave personal possessions unattended or visible in a parked car. Carry your wallet, money, credit cards, etc., in your front pockets.
– Drink responsibly. Make sure you have a designated driver and carry some water to stay hydrated should it be a very hot day. Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
– Blankets & Wine tickets should only be purchased from authorized ticket sales locations e.g. Dormans outlets and Pesapal.
– Be careful when socializing with strangers.
– Parents should place a paper in their children’s pockets with their name, address and phone number in case of separation during the event.
– It is Mafikizolo’s first performance in Kenya so have fun.
