On March 25, the Rainbow Restaurant & Jazz Club will present Jika, Bongani Nkwanyana’s new band.

”In our five and a half years as custodians of the Rainbow, some of the best concerts we have staged featured the late great Sipho Gumede,” says co-owner Neil Comfort. “Performing at all of those concerts was second bassist Bongani Nkwanyana.

“Jika is Nkwanyana's new band and they performed at our one year tribute to Gumede in July 2005. I'm a bit ashamed that it has taken us so long to get them back but when I saw them performing down at the Zulu Jazz Lounge a month or so back I knew it was time. The band is now a tight unit and features Mdu Mahlobo on guitar, Nelson Gumede (also formerly with the Gumede band) and Simphiwe Cebekhulu on keyboards, Thabiso Mnanyana on drums and Siyabonga Duma on alto saxophone.”

This event is presented by Martell VO Brandy so expect some specials to help fight off the Autumn cold snap.

Jike performs on March 25 at the Rainbow Restaurant & Jazz Club, 23 Stanfield Lane in Pinetown. Doors open 12h00 with the first set at 13h00. Tickets R20 at the door. More information on 031 702 9161 or 083 463 8044.