British Soul queen Joss Stone left no heart and soul untouched when she took on to Carnival City’s Big Top arena this past Wednesday in a One-Night-Only South African leg of her Total World Tour.
After a superb opening set by local jazz group The Muffinz which surprisingly contained a cover of Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley's
Turn your lights down low, Stone emerged bare-feet onto stage in a comfortable peach frock. Frenzy screams of excited fans filled the Big Top Arena as the blonde bombshell took hold of a silky doek-type-cloth covered microphone stand, breathing soul to enrage the ecstasy in the arena.
One thing that stood out more than Stone’s presence herself was her vocal prowess. Stone’s undeniable impact in the Soul music scene showed when she showcased some of her best songs such as
Last one to know,
Put your hands on me,
Landlord and
Bruised but not broken among other hits. So relaxed she took to the fans' seating area to dance with them, later handing out white roses to lucky fish in the audience. Sadly she didn’t cover my personal favourites
While you’re out looking for sugar and Aretha Franklin’
Natural Woman but the other great tracks in her setlist such as her wildly popular hit
Spoiled and
Baby Baby Baby made up for it.
One of the best moments that highlighted the show for me was her performance with a local soul singer Bongaziwe and then later on singing
Loliwe with Zahara. All very unexpected. The way she practiced the languages in an outstanding manner delivered the lyrics was respect-worthy, considering how most Europeans and Americans can’t even pronounce the word “Mandela” correctly.
Joss Stone left her heart and SOUL on stage and we were treated to the best concert any soul music lover can ever ask for. I’ve had love for Stone and her music since my high school days but after Wednesday night that love grew to an instant obsession!
All thanks goes to Corporate Image for inviting TVSA to this amazing and intimate night out with Joss.
@Buff_NareKekana
Pics by Dale Kopping: DK Expressions