Mohalenyane Phakela
SOUTH Africa’s Nomvula hitmaker, Nathi Makhanyi has been selected to replace the ailing veteran South African Jazz maestro Hugh Masekela at the annual Lesotho Tourism Festival (LETOFE) which will be held on Saturday at the iconic Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village.
The rest of the LETOFE line-up remains unchanged with the likes of South African music greats such as Ringo, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Vusi Nova, Bongani Radebe and The Soil all scheduled to perform alongside locals such as the legendary Tšepo T?ola, Friends, Mystic Margin, Selimo Thabane, Kommanda Obbs, Juvy and L-Tore.
The 78-year-old Masekela first cancelled his shows in May this year ahead of the surgery to repair tendon and ligament damage in his shoulder.
More recently, his manager, Andrew Josh Georgiou, wrote to the LETOFE organisers advising them that the Jazz muso’s recovery suffered a setback due to an infection, hence would not available for the Saturday show.
“We regret to inform you that Mr Masekela will not be able to fulfil his commitment to perform at the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village on 23 December 2017 due to medical reasons,” part of the letter states.
“He had been making good progress while receiving treatment but unfortunately contracted a ‘super-bug’ virus in the hospital which significantly impacted on his recovery. Thankfully he has managed to beat the virus but his doctors have advised against any travel or live engagement in order to have sufficient time to rest and recuperate.
“Bra Hugh is very sorry to disappoint his fans in Lesotho but hopefully we can reschedule for a suitable date in the new year.”
Speaking to Xpress People recently, one of LETOFE organisers, Montoeli ‘Moleli backed Nathi to thrill the audience.
“Although Nathi will be coming as a substitute for Bra Hugh, we do not see him as a replacement as he has proved to be a people’s favourite,” he said.
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