Kowie
Announcer Kowie
Announcer Review in a local newspaper of Port Alfred, South Africa.
July 19, 1999, Vol 66 No 29
Port Alfred can duly
be proud of home-boy Raymond Matinyana who is making a name for
himself internationally in the performing arts.
On Monday night, Raymond and a band of international musicians
entertained a local audience with his cabaret titles "Miss
Thandi". It was the last performance of the current stint in
South Africa and aptly it ended in Raymond's old home town. With
his unique performance and stage personality, he has just
completed a very successful run at the Grahamstown Festival.
Raymond is currently based in Holland. He performs all over
Europe, in the United States and of course in South Africa. He
aims at involving the audience in his shows.
Raymond believes that music can heal the soul and is passionate
about enabling others to share in this process. By combining
music and storytelling, he manages to create a unique blend of
entertaining aptly called "Afrovibes".
Following onto his international success, Raymond formed the Afro
Vibes Foundation. It is based in Holland and aims to enhance the
relationship between South Africa and Holland through culture and
education.
SCHOLARSHIP
A benefit concert held in June raised enough money to enable the
foundation to start up a scholarship Fund for Port Alfred youth
who do not have enough money available to assist five students. A
local committee will soon be established to manage the fund.
Raymond is also involved in a process of getting Port Alfred
twinned with a town in Holland.
His family still live in Port Alfred. His mother Lillian and
brother Lindela also attended his cabaret on Monday. His sister,
Nomasomi, lives in Johannesburg and her two children were also
present on Monday evening.
Raymond and his band presented two workshops at the Civic Centre,
on Tuesday. The morning session was open to the public. The
afternoon session saw Raymond putting the recently formed Port
Alfred Steel Band though its paces.
Because time was limited, his aim was to inspire local talent to
develop their skills. There is a saying "if you lose your
dream you die".
YOUTH
Raymond believes that the youth of South Africa needs to aspire
to something. He will also be encouraging "The Supremes",
a very talented young local group.
Raymond hires professional musicians in Holland who accompany him
in his enabling him to put on a very professional show.