By Phumlani Saul
The inaugural Nelson Mandela Bay Jazz on the Lake festival has left music enthusiasts in Nelson Mandela Bay with mixed emotions. While some fans were thrilled to see their favorite artists perform, others were left disappointed and frustrated by the chaotic experience.
The festival, held at the scenic North End Lake on Saturday, in Gqeberha Eastern Cape.
Drew large crowds eager to enjoy the soulful sounds of jazz. However, the excitement was short-lived for many attendees, who faced long queues, overcrowding, and poor sound quality.
The issues began early in the day, with attendees complaining about the slow pace of entry into the venue. Once inside, the overcrowding became apparent, with many feeling claustrophobic and struggling to move around.
Disappointed attendee Noxolo Ntswahlana (33) told Daily Kasi News “I came to enjoy some great music, but the experience was ruined by the crowds and the long queues,”
“I missed some of my favorite acts because I couldn’t get close to the stage.” The sound issues were another major concern, with some attendees complaining that the music was too loud or too soft, depending on their location in the venue.
Another attendee Amahle Pantyo (20) Told DK News: “The state of the ablution facilities also left much to be desired, with many attendees expressing disgust at the grimy conditions.”
“It’s unacceptable that the organizers didn’t ensure the facilities were clean and well-maintained,” said Amahle.
“It’s a basic necessity that should be prioritized at any event.” Despite the challenges, some attendees were thrilled to see their favorite artists perform. “The music was amazing, and I loved the atmosphere,” said one fan. “The performers gave it their all, and it was clear they were passionate about their craft.”
The festival featured a diverse lineup of local and international artists, showcasing the rich and vibrant sounds of jazz. The scenic backdrop of North End Lake added to the ambiance, with many attendees enjoying the picturesque views.
However, the negative experiences seemed to overshadow the positives for many attendees. “I’m disappointed that the organizers didn’t seem to have a handle on the logistics,” said one attendee. “With some better planning, this could have been a fantastic event.”
In response to the criticism, the festival organizers issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience and promising to improve the experience for future events.
“We appreciate the feedback and will take it into consideration as we plan for future events,” said a spokesperson.
Despite the challenges, the inaugural Nelson Mandela Bay Jazz on the Lake festival was a significant step in establishing the city as a major player in the jazz scene. With some improvements, future events could be a huge success. The festival’s success in drawing large crowds demonstrates the appetite for live music in the city, and with some tweaks, future events could be a major draw for tourists and locals alike.
The event was a mixed bag, but the passion and energy of the performers and attendees were undeniable. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that the organizers have a lot to work on to ensure that the beauty of the music is matched by the quality of the experience. With the right planning and execution, Jazz on the Lake could become a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.
Daily Kasi News 