Capetonians proved that their city is a place of relaxed togetherness as they rocked to the rhythm of some of the world’s best jazz sounds at the EspAFRIKA Free Community Concert on Greenmarket Square on Thursday April 1.

It was clear that Capetonians were celebrating their spirit of community, united by their love of great music. And great music was certainly what was provided from the Gospel sounds of the Glen Robertson Jazz Band, who reminded the crowd of the religious significance of the day.They were followed by rising star Jonathan Rubain, who had the crowd bopping to his unique sound. Offering a complete change in tempo was Soil and “Pimp” Sessions, a Japanese club jazz band whose energetic, adrenaline-fuelled performance will be remembered for years to come. The final act was the veteran Jazz-Funk fusion sound of Mezzoforte, whose melodic harmonies and unpredictable tempo changes were a fitting end to the 11th Free Concert to be held on the Square.

Among the appreciative fans was Shane Matthys of Eerste River who was planning to make use of the special Metro rail trains for his homeward journey. “We love the vibe, and we come every year,” he said.

Mathilda Shawki, who enjoyed the concert with her husband and a group of friends commented that “we use the occasion to meet up and just have fun. It is so relaxed and it is great to see the community getting together in this way”.

The event had an extra significance as it marked the beginning of the 300th birthday celebrations for the second-oldest public space in the country. Western Province Premier Helen Zille led the singing of Happy Birthday as a large cake was cut by Cape Town Partnership’s Deputy Chief Executive Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana.

Makalima-Ngewana used the occasion to highlight both the past and the future of the landmark space.

“It is a meeting place. A place of innovation; a place of creativity; a slave market; a place of emancipation; a fruit and vegetable market and a parking lot. It is the place where many small businesses sold their first products. Greenmarket Square has a special place in all our hearts,” she said.

Greenmarket Square has just undergone a major re-vamp in which new cobbles have been laid and raised to the level of the surrounding pavements. Traffic is no longer permitted on the square and new mast lighting has been installed.
“To my left a brand new stage is being built on top of the historic old public toilets where live performances like we have tonight, will take place during the day and in the evenings,” Makalima-Ngewana said.

Makalima-Ngewana also announced a special birthday present for the square from local internet service provider Skyrove which will be donating free wireless internet access on the Square for the next six months.

“This free internet access will allow all residents of and visitors to the square access to the internet from all mobile devices, so that we can promote all the local businesses and events like this one in the area, and give visitors tourism and safety information. International tourists expect this service from public spaces in world class cities, and as part of the Fan Walk for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, Greenmarket Square will be offering this,” Makalima-Ngewana said.

View the event photos.

Related posts:

1. More than 7500 at Free Community Jazz Concert on Greenmarket Square
2. Free Wi-Fi internet set to further enhance bustling Greenmarket Square precinct
3. Greenmarket Square – Turning 300 years in 2010
4. Greenmarket Square to become iconic eventing space
5. Greenmarket Square 300 years old