Cape Town newlyweds found themselves dancing on stage while being serenaded by one of their favourite artists, Raveena, at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) this weekend.
The festival saw spectacular performances blending across jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and gospel, while keeping attendees dancing and singing along.
Friday night’s show included stellar performances by superstars Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Jacob Collier and 91-year-old legendary jazz musician Abdullah Ibrahim. Crowds were also entertained by Jabulile Majola, Manana, and Jasmine Myra, with a show-stopping performance.
Saturday saw performances by beloved artist Jimym Nevis and Mzansi’s very own Tutu Puoane. Many were also captivated by India’s Varijashree, Malian singer-songwriter, guitarist, Fatoumata Diawara, and also Yussef Dayes.
One of the festival’s charming and wholesome moments came when Indian-American singer and songwriter Raveena also brought her trademark silky, airy, and gentle voice to the CTIJF, while performing on the Moses Molelekwa stage.
Raveena said it was her first time performing in Cape Town and that she has often found herself feeling connected to the City. Throughout her “where the butterflies tour in the rain” shows, Raveena has been inviting couples to come up on stage, while she serenaded them.
Newlyweds from Cape Town, Nuhaa Soeker, 29, and Alex Veldsman, 32, who have been together for three years and got married earlier this year, were the lucky couple featured, as she wrapped her tour at the CTIJF.
Speaking on the moment afterwards, the young couple said that they had been fans of hers for years, and could not believe that they were on stage.
“We are very big fans of hers, and she sings a song that’s dedicated to lovers, and then she said that one of the dancers will come call someone on stage. Our friends were all pointing at us. They were forcing us to go up; it was pretty insane,” Soeker said. “It was so surreal.”
Veldsman said, “I was in shock.” Soeker added, “He kept saying he is gonna cry.”
“I’ve been listening to her music for a while. Like, since 2016, it’s just been such a special place for us,” Veldsman said.
Soeker said that Raveena is one of the artists that she also respects as a person beyond her artistry.
“She always talks about what she believes in, and sings about what she believes in. That’s why we have listened to her for 10 years. It was just so special. As we were standing backstage, I was like, ‘How is this real? This is insane’. Like, it was really fun.”
Newlyweds from Cape Town, Nuhaa Soeker, 29, and Alex Veldsman, 32, who have been together for three years and got married earlier this year, found themselves on stage during Raveena’s performance at Moses.
Veldman added that what cemented it as even more of a beautiful moment was the shout-out Raveena gave to “the oppressed people of Palestine, and for what’s going on in the United States”.
“We were best friends for six months, and then we started dating. One day, we just decided we are gonna get married. A lot of things fell into place for us that day, and then we just decided to get married.
“We did it in like three weeks, and we had like a little wedding with our family, and it was perfect. We just decided to do it, and it’s been really nice,” Soeker said.
Other than getting to dance on stage with one of their favourite artists, the newlyweds have enjoyed the jazz festival and only had one small gripe.
“I love Jazz Fest specifically because of the diversity of the people and the music that you can get here. So we’ve been coming since we’ve known each other. It’s really fun, and there’s been something for everyone. Like whatever mood you’re in, there’s been something to listen to, and obviously some iconic people all year this year,” Soeker said.
“I think the only drawback from Raveena’s performance is the fact that we had to sit down. She deserved the crowd on their feet because that’s the vibe that she was giving them,” Veldsman said.
Soeker added, “That’s like literally the one thing, but other than that it’s been really fun and the acts have been really cool.”
One of the CTIJF partners, Acting CEO of South African Tourism, Dr Shamillar Chettiar, said: “Our collaboration with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival demonstrates our commitment to promoting South Africa’s cultural assets as a driver of tourism.
“Through the Moses Molelekwa Stage, we connect audiences with the essence of South African jazz and create immersive experiences that encourage longer visits and deeper engagement,” Chettiar said.
“This collab amplifies local talent and strengthens our country’s reputation as a premier global events destination. Participating in this festival has been highly rewarding, with highlights including the vibrant atmosphere, diverse audiences, and the celebration of South Africa’s musical heritage on an international stage.”
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