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Jazz legend wows crowds in Cape Town
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Renowned guitarist and singer, George Benson wowed crowds at this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The two-day festival was held over the Easter weekend, drawing over 30,000 people with many making their way to the Kippies stage where Benson held two shows.
Dubbed Africa's largest gathering, the annual festival brings together 42 of world's top jazz artists across five different stages.
Many who attended Benson's show said they were impressed by his performance. Benson staged a greatest hits show and another titled: 'An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole', which was accompanied by a 28-piece orchestra.
Siya Tho-ula, jazz fan, said, "I really enjoyed George Benson because it reminded me of home where I come from. My father used to listen to him a lot so I really enjoyed it."
James Naidoo, jazz fan, said, "It was phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal."
Nomalungisa Ningani, jazz fan, said, "Wow, if I had a chance I would go and give him a hug but I couldn't because he was far from me but he is doing good."
In his illustrious forty year career, Benson has won ten Grammy awards and worked with some of the greatest names in Jazz and R&B including Miles Davis, Al Jarreau, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, and Aretha Franklin. Benson who has enjoyed a string hits since his first albums in the 60s said he's always defined himself as a people's musician and an entertainer, making music that will appeal across varied audiences.
George Benson, jazz musician, said, "Well, I think I've achieved a lot. My goal, mainly, is to be a people's musician and I always had the aspiration to appeal to other musicians too. A musician is a musician. Some of that has been achieved too. My father was a musician, he played several instruments. My mother was a singer and so I made the move happy so what I am is probably, the best description is a people's musician, singer."
Also performing at the festival was American jazz vocalist, Rachelle Ferrell, who demonstrated her versatile singing and scatting ability. Her debut album, "First Instrument" was released to critical acclaim in 1990. Other artists included award-winning pianist McCoy Tyner, hip-hop and neo-soul singer, Bilal, and violinist, Regina Carter.
