By: Xolani Shabalala

In celebration of 20 years relation between the city of Guangzhou (China) and Durban, the Playhouse hosted a concert combining the two cities on Monday.

The Guangzhou Tieyi Middle School Wind Band visited the famous KZN Youth Wind Band in what according to Eric Apelgren, head of international relations and governance at eThekwini Municipality was “a beautiful night celebrating the two sister cities”.

“This year we have agreed to collaborate by bringing China to South Africa. So we are bringing a lot of Chinese artists and groups into the country, next year we will be doing it the other way around,” explained Apelgren.

He further stated that the idea behind all of this was to let young people build bridges between South Africa and China using music. He added that it is important to use music, not just business and trade to create a stronger bond.

Thokozani MaMkhize-Ndlovu, Board member in the KZN Youth Wind Band said that the concert was very good and she was proud of her band.

“We are performing very well and we are enjoying ourselves which is of most importance.

As an artist you need to enjoy first so you can execute the music and give a good feeling to your audience,” MaMkhize-Ndlovu said.

The audience applauded performances from the likes of Susie Liang from China and the sounds of the KZN Youth Wind Band which the crowd explained as soothing.

“The music just spoke to my soul and was more like it was comforting me,” said Fezeka Thabede.

The show ended with the two wind bands collaboration of a Jonny Clegg number..