Durban Maputo Connection, an eight piece band of top South African and Mozambican musicians will perform at the Imbizo Room, Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom in Durban on October 7.

This collaboration is highly significant as Durban and Maputo have recently become sister cities. The concert will showcase original music as well as well-known South African and Mozambican songs which have been put together using four top Mozambican musicians from Maputo and four South African musicians from Durban. The event has been conceived by Susan Barry and Philani Ngidi from Durban and Zoco Dimande from Mozambique.

The Mozambican musicians are all top talent from the country: Percussionist Pilecas Nhavane has long worked with the top Mozambican group Kapa Besh. Zoco Dimande (guitar) was leader of Mabulu, voted best group from Africa by BBC World in 2003. Jorge Sezar (vocals) has done significant international work and has collaborated with Peter Gabriel and recorded with him in his London studio and Texito Langa (drums) who has had extensive international experience and performed with a broad range of local and international names.

The Durban musicians feature bass legend Philani Ngidi and Susan Barry (piano/keyboards), Lihle Ngidi (vocals) who has performed as backing singer for many celebrated artists such as Busi Mhlongo and Ray Phiri. Young performer Lebo Sebele (vocals) who has performed at the Joy of Jazz Festival completes the impressive line-up.

The event starts at 17h00 on October 7. Tickets R120 pp. In addition there is a meal/show package for R250 which includes a three course buffet meal. Booking is through Sibaya Box-Office on 031 580 5555.