Johnny Clegg to conjure Madiba magic in the gardens this July!

Iconic musician Johnny Clegg and indie rockers Shortstraw will headline the Old Mutual Music in the Gardens concert at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden on Sunday, 6 July 2014 as the country celebrates the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

“The 18th of July would have been Tata Madiba’s 96th birthday,” says Old Mutual sponsorship manager Bandile Mngoma. “While we as a nation were grief-stricken by his passing last December, we are privileged to be able to honour his memory through this very special concert.

“We all know how much the father of our nation loved music and merry-making, and so we invite Gautengers to join us for a proudly South African celebration of Madiba’s legacy in the beautiful setting of these indigenous gardens.”

Clegg, one of South Africa’s most beloved cultural treasures and musical exports, will be performing hot on the heels of a nine-week tour of the USA and Canada.

“Le Zulu Blanc” and his band will perform a selection of his solo hits as well as familiar Juluka and Savuka favourites.

Headlining the concert alongside Clegg is Johannesburg-based “indie-belle” rock band Shortstraw. These energetic MK Award-winning young musos are sure to get the crowd on its feet and dancing to their catchy, upbeat sounds.

Until September, the Old Mutual Music in the Gardens series is presenting top local music acts at the Pretoria Botanical Garden and Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden, providing locals with blue-chip entertainment to while away the sunny afternoons that make Highveld winters so glorious.

The Sunday picnic concerts also aim to raise awareness of the importance of preserving South Africa’s natural diversity, Mngoma adds.

These family-friendly events include a supervised kids’ zone. Bring along a blanket and picnic basket – or opt to dine at the on-site restaurant and tea garden – and spend quality time with family and friends, savouring great entertainment in the great outdoors.

Gates open on 6 July at 11h00. Shortstraw will perform at 14h00, followed by Johnny Clegg at 15h00.

Buy your tickets in advance for R150 through the Old Mutual Music in the Gardens Facebook page or at the gardens. Tickets bought on the day of the concert cost R170.

Follow @OM_Concerts on Twitter, and ‘Like’ the Old Mutual Music in the Gardens page on Facebook to get all the updates.

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