Nicola and Neil Comfort took up the challenge of running the Rainbow Restaurant & Jazz Club in Pinetown in September, 2001. The following day they hosted the legendary Busi Mhlongo and her Urban Zulu band. Over the ensuing years they have experienced the highs of more fantastic concerts from Mhlongo and the likes of the late Sipho Gumede, alongside the lows of losing dear staff members and customers to the ravages of diseases like HIV/Aids.

“Through all of that we have come to treasure what the Rainbow is all about, the legacy of founder Ben Pretorius and the wonderful people that frequent the venue on a weekly basis,” says Neil. “To celebrate this anniversary, we have invited the superb Shophi Ngidi and her backing group Saphindafuthi back to the Rainbow for a performance. I say “back”, as this will be the third time, in the past few years, that the group has performed at the venue.

“Shophi also shone on vocals when performing with Sharon Katz and Nonhlanhla Wanda in The Peace Train band on July 29 and the rhythm section that rocked so hard that day also returns for this performance, namely Gcina Khumalo on drums and Themba Ngcobo on bass guitar. Another fantastic member of The Peace Train band, who will be joining us, is Barney Bophela on keyboards. The rest of the eight-piece group features Malungisi Msomi, a regular in Busi Mhlongo's band, on acoustic guitar with Magic Shangase, Mzwakhe Shelembe and Pinky Mabaso on backing vocals.”

Shophi noSaphindafuthi’s performance at the Rainbow on September 1 is sponsored by Martell VO Brandy. The first set starts at 13h00 and entrance is free.

The Rainbow Restaurant is situated at 23 Stanfield Lane in Pinetown. More information on 031 702 9161 or 083 463 8044.