Come “Dance Some More” with Mango Groove at the MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival in Port Elizabeth as they launch their “Big World Party” tour on Easter Monday.
The performance will mark the start of Mango Groove’s first full-blown national tour – which also includes an international segment – in over a decade.
“We’re really looking forward to the show as we’ve always had fantastic support in PE,” says lead vocalist Claire Johnston, who is hoping to treat their supporters to a vintage performance.
Subtitled “20 Years of Hits and Memories, 20 Years of Mango Magic”, it is perhaps fitting that the 11-piece band will once again delight fans as part of the festival’s closing ceremony (2pm) as Africa’s premier seaside event is also celebrating its 20th anniversary.
“When Glenn van Eck (festival director) approached us, we simply couldn’t refuse. It is such a giant, uniquely South African celebration,” says Johnston.
As a true marvel on the local music scene, the band needs no introduction. Fronted by Johnston and featuring renowned pennywhistler Mduduzi Magwaza, they are one of the country’s most recognisable and loved musical icons.
“We are looking forward to reconnecting with audiences. Mango Groove has always been about the live show,” says Johnston.
“We love working together. Friendship aside, a real camaraderie develops when you are on the road and this will come through in the show.”
Fans can expect to hear hits such as “Special Star”, “Hellfire”, “Dance Some More”, “Hometalk”, “Moments Away” and “Another Country”. More recent chart-toppers like “Bang the Drum”, “This is Not a Party” and the all-new “Hey!” will also be performed.
“We loved the idea of a ‘Big World Party’ (one of the tracks on Bang the Drum), because this year South Africa will be at the heart of the world,” says Magwaza.
“PE is very much a second home to John (founding member John Leyden) and I,” says Johnston. “We visit the area regularly and are absolutely in love with its natural beauty.”
“Our interest in conservation was very much triggered by events in and around the city.” She says they witnessed the re-release of lions into Shamwari, performed at the World Wilderness Congress in PE and are associated with the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Foundation.
“Amazing things are happening in relation to conservation, tourism and community involvement and we are honoured to be part of it.”
After the Splash Festival, Mango Groove will perform around the country before heading for international borders.
“We are looking at shows in the rest of Africa, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. After that, we will see where it goes,” says Johnston.
For more information, contact the festival office on 041 393 4844 or visit www.splashfestival.com.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
041 368 4992
082 575 7991
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival