WHENEVER his name is mentioned expect class of an act…
Johathan Kenneth Butler, who was a Grammy award nominee in 2018, makes his debut performance at the first international music show at the ‘Diamond City’ Kimberley for 2023 calender.
The one night gong has been scheduled for March 19, at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, a walk away from the internationally renowned ‘Big Hole’. Tourism stand to improve greatly in that ‘sleepy town’.
Celebrated for his laid-back, slightly jazz-tinged approach to worship music, Butler, will share the stage with SA’s finest Dr Victor & Rasta Rebels and other locals on the evening.
The Cape Town born but Los Angeles based, Butler, needs no introduction having released charts busters ‘True love never Fails’, Take good care of Me, Going Home (duet with Gerald Albright at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz)amongst others.
Though his musical abilities would take him away from the world he grew up in, Jonathan would neither forget the plight of his fellow South Africans, nor the man that led them to freedom.
In his words, he pays gratitude to the organisers for reaching out and stopping at nothing to make sure that he finally pays a visit to the ever-popular City of Kimberley.
“This concert has been in the making in background for a number of years”.
“I know it’s been a long time coming since we promised each other to do this show, with the organiser, and I’m grateful that the perseverance is finally paying off, and I look forward to giving my best and make sure my fans walk away reminiscing about the beautiful sounds that always nourishes their Souls whenever they listen to my music,” says Butler.
Another popular track fans can look up to on the evening is ‘Close To You’ a celebration of the music of Burt Bacharach, and the album also features music greats George Duke and Marcus Miller.
The Kimberley born ‘Dr Victor’ born Victor Khojane, has and still, continues to entertain fans after 40 years’ in the game.
The Joburg based, returns home to touch-base with peers and family.
It was after Dr Victor and his childhood friends left for the greener pastures in the 1980’s that CC Beat, began playing in nightclubs in Johannesburg and managed to secure a recording contract.
They started recording albums and working with top South African acts that over the years catapulted the band into gaining respectable recognition as a tight band under Victor’s leadership, and the group seized every opportunity afforded to grab the country’s attention and to occupy center stage in the music scene.
“I’ve had the privilege to tour abroad and play in all corners of our country, but it’s always so heart-warming and humbling to come back to my roots, because this is where my life story begins.
And now to be billed on the same line up with my hero Jonathan Butler, it’s almost surreal, I cannot wait to do what I know best, especially knowing that music always unites our people’ said ‘Dr Victor’.
Hits such as ‘I love to Truck’,‘Shambala’, ‘Tsoang Tsoang’ will be reverberating the stage from Dr Vic and crew.
It’s not many artists that have received accolades from the ever revered Nelson Mandela, who recognised Butler’s music as having inspired him during his imprisonment in more ways than one.
Zikmo Promotions, who are behind the one-night show, says “it feels surreal to some people in certain quarters that indeed the City, will be experiencing an artist of this magnitude perform in their own backyard”.
Local acts sharing the stage with world acclaimed performers includes Deekamo, Dee Tone and Empire.
Tickets are available at Computicket outlets and Shoprite Checkers for R250.
For VIP experience package contact STUMBO on 078 315 5718.
‘Like a Phoenix rising from the Ashes’ to borrow from one legend, Kimberley and surrounding areas- will come to an abrupt halt on March 19, at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre.
Images supplied (‘Heavily armed’ with his guitar. Jonathan Butler to debut at the one-night show billed for Kimberley, Northern Cape).
