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84th Birthday Ndikho Xaba Gala
84th Birthday Ndikho Xaba Gala
On 20 May 2018, we are going to celebrate the eThekwini Living Legend, Ndikho Xaba's 84th Birthday at Sipho Gumede Hall. In cooperation with the Xaba family, we are paying tribute to the legendary jazz musician´s inspiring life and aiming at fundraising for him and his family, as he has been suffering from Parkinson's disease since 2008.
Baba Ndikho Xabais an actor and musician, an artist and a philosopher who has dedicated his life to music and to Africa. He spent several decades in exile, in the USA, Canada and Tanzania, during apartheid, whilst building and honoring the tradition of South African jazz music with legendary records such as "Shwabada", that he released in 1970 with his band "Ndikho Xaba & The Natives". He created music that was designed to raise the consciousness of South Africans and the world for the need for a more equitable world order.
The gala will feature a number of bands, such as UKZN Big Band conducted by John Kordalewski, Lu Dlamini Band, Iza-Ngoma Band, while live solo performances will consist of Feya Faku, Neil Gonsalves and Mama Nomusa, just to name a few. The esteemed featured artists are all respected colleagues and old friends, having a deep connection with Baba Ndikho. Before the live show, there will be an exhibition of his hand-crafted musical instruments made over the years as well as a video screening of past performances, starting at 1:00 PM.
The legend's wife, Nomusa Xaba, urges local and international music fans, private and public organisations to assist with funds for her husband's healthcare.
"Our family has provided Ndikho with the highest quality nursing care that we can. We have provided love, compassion, medical attention, exercises and physical therapy. We have done it and continue to do it. But like many families with a member suffering from long-term illness, we see our financial resources starting to dry up. And therefore, we are kindly requesting help to do that. So please understand that everything contributed will go directly to Bab' Ndikho's healthcare", said Nomusa.
Tickets will be available at BAT Centre for R200 per person (R100 for students). For more info call 031 - 332 0451.