RAINBOW NEWS

Rainbow Restaurant presents Bongani Nkwanyana in concert in association with Castle Lager on May 1.

For many years, Nkwanyana was second bassist in Sipho Gumede's band. With the release of his own solo album, Ithemba Lami on the Sheer Sound label in 2009,

“Nkwanyana has built up a solid fan base and regulars at the Rainbow request songs from the album on a daily basis and ask when he will be back on our stage,” says Rainbow co-owner Neil Comfort. “Nkwanyana's backing band features the sublime guitar work of Mdu Mahlobo who will also hopefully be launching his debut album in 2011, Thabiso Mnanyana on drums, Mazwakhe Gumede on second bass, Siyabonga Duma on saxophone, Nelson Gumede on piano and Simphiwe Cebekhulu on keyboard. Handling lead vocals is Xoliswa Dlamini and the backing singers are Hlengiwe Qwili, Andile Ndlovu and Njabulo Ntaka. A big 11-piece band that is sure to have to up and dancing.” Tickets R40 presale (R60 at door)

Coming up at Rainbow over the next couple of months:

May 29: Sazi no Skokiana. Tickets R30 presale (R50 at door). Watch out for one or two special guests at this one.

June 26: Just Friends featuring Khaya Dlamini. Tickets R30 (R50 at door). Good old township jive first introduced to the Rainbow audience in October last year.

July 24: Sharon Katz and the Peace Train (tickets tbc.) “We do not normally do gigs before pay day but Katz has a bunch of visitors from the US of A who depart South Africa after this concert so we agreed to give them a good old Rainbow "bon voyage",” says Neil Comfort.

July 31: Themba Mkhize. Tickets tbc.

August 28: McCoy Mrubata and Paul Hanmer with Prince Bulo and Paki Peloeole taking care of rhythm.

September 25: Shabalala Rhythm. The day after Heritage Day and two years since Shabalala Rhythm last rocked out on the Rainbow stage with their maskanda driven grooves.

Doors open at 12 noon with the first set just after 13h00. The Rainbow Restaurant Estd 1981 is situated at 23 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown. More information on 031 702 9161 or 083 463 8044 or email: bandwagon@artslink.co.za or visit www.therainbow.co.za