Rain fails to dampen spirits as Good Morning concert celebrates local music talent

The Good Morning concert, a live music event that brings together rising and well-known South African artists on one stage, took place on Saturday in Johannesburg.

Cape Town jazz group Kujenga and Lordkez were some of the upcoming acts who performed alongside renowned musicians such as Thandiswa Mazwai.

Speaking to EWN at the concert, which was hosted by Untiluntil, drummer Keno Carelse said festivals play a crucial role in shaping the future of the music industry.

“Festivals like this are very important because they can determine who is next,” Carelse said.

Founder of Untiluntil, Thandile Mafanya, said the idea for the events was born in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, when strict regulations severely limited live performances.

“Post-COVID, there were many restrictions on how events could be held. They had to be outdoors and limited in capacity. We felt it was important to create an entity that could give live music artists a space to showcase themselves,” Mafanya explained.

While outdoor events come with challenges, including unpredictableweather, Saturday’s rainfall did little to dampen the audience’s spirits. Concertgoers, many clad in raincoats provided by the organisers, said the experience was well worth braving the wet conditions.

Several attendees said they endured the rain specifically to watch their favourite jazz group, Kujenga, perform.

Reflecting on the group’s reception in Johannesburg, Kujenga guitarist Thane Smith said the city’s audiences have a unique way of embracing artists.

“When Joburg really likes something, they claim it and make it their own. You can come from anywhere, but once you’re here, you’re embraced. For new and upcoming artists entering these spaces, being in Johannesburg, with its energy, culture, and people, is incredibly encouraging and promotes growth,” Smith said.