Serenity and soul at Nirox: Music, art and romance take centre stage near Joburg

From Thando Zide’s soothing melodies to Jabulile Majola’s soul-stirring storytelling, from the man who makes you want to fall in love, Internet Athi, to Mandisi Dyantyisi’s relatable symphonies layered with depth, the Nirox Concert for Love was nothing short of wholesome.
 
Closing off the weekend of love, just 45 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, couples, friends and families were treated to a day of serenity at the Nirox Sculpture Park in Krugersdorp.

Surrounded by art and open skies, they gathered to celebrate both emerging and established South African artists.
 
The open-air auditorium was filled with a fashionable audience, many carrying umbrellas in anticipation of rain under the gloomy skies. Yet the weather did little to dim the mood.

The venue bore witness to voices singing along to familiar lyrics, bodies swaying to angelic melodies and dancing to the bold sound of the trumpet.

Nirox’s Lloyd Anthony Smith explained that the theme of the event centred on soul in the context of love.
 
“The theme for today was more about soul in the context of love and soulful sounds and music. While we have a well-known artist like Mandisi Dyantyisi as an established performer, we were fortunate to bring in some of the more emerging voices from the South African scene,” he said.
 
Each performance carried a quiet resolve every note sung and played with unmistakable intentionality.
 
Concert’s partner, Standard Bank’s Ivy van Bosch said the event contributes to living a richer life, one filled with meaningful experiences.

“I’m here with my husband. I’m here with my colleagues. And you can just feel it love is almost palpable. We’re coming out of the festive season into the rush of January, and then into February, the month of love,” she said.
 
Despite weather conditions seemingly set on dampening the mood, attendees cheered on every act that took to the stage.

They welcomed performers with enthusiastic applause and phones held high, capturing moments they were not ready to let slip away.

The Concert for Love was indeed filled with a palpable and unmistakable warmth shared between artists, the audience and, the people they came with.