By Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
South African High Commissioner Thanduyise Chiliza (right) and wife Rose greet Russian Ambassador Edward Malayan (second right) and leader of the group Siykhula, Brian Thusi at the recent Africa Day celebrations. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
SOUNDS AND sights of the motherland Africa echoed across the quiet upscale neighbourhood of Acadia last Friday night.
Why? South African High Commissioner Thanduyise Chiliza played host to Africa Day celebrations and treated his guests like royalty. He and his entire household were attired in traditional garb, adding to the already festive night. Africa Day celebrates the creation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The organisation is 40 years old this year.
South African band Siykhula was the toast of the evening as members sang, danced and awed the crowd with their performance. Their a capella tunes had members of the audience letting out shrill whoops in delight.
There were also some excellent instrumentals by the group C-Sharp, who later provided backup for deejay Tony Rebel who delivered a short but entertaining set, including the perennial favourite "Sweet Jamdown". Hearts went out to Simone Thomas, a blind singer with an exceptionally strong voice. To boot, guests fed from the lavish buffet as Saint International models strutted their stuff.
When Siykhula made their return, they were clad in their traditional warrior costumes and with their high-kicking, pulsating delivery, they somehow took the tempo up another notch. What energy! At one point, High Commissioner Chiliza could not contain himself and leapt onto the stage to do his own bit of dancing. The crowd loved every second of it.
Oh, and we can't leave out the adorable Nigerian children who danced their way into the hearts of the gathering. Nigerians performing at a South African event in Jamaica with models heading for the catwalks of Europe.
