SHEKHINAH SUITS PERFECTLY: South African songstress, Afro Red toast Ultimate Experience at Nightjar

IT was a hive of activities at The Nightjar Bar and Restaurant at Eastpark Mall, just next to The Music Club, last Saturday.

First it was the Ultimate Original Glenlivet Experience where customers were taken through what could be called a whisky sensory experience with live music by renowned jazz band, the Afro Red and some free tasting of The Glenlivet whisky.

Then, South African songstress Shekhinah, best known for her song, Suited, was in the house. And from what she gave in her performance, it is clear that she was perfectly suited for the occasion.

Now, The Glenlivet is a single malt, double matured Scotch whisky. From the Speyside region of Scotland, it is first matured in traditional, then American oak casks. The latter barrel imparts notes of vanilla and gives the whisky its distinctive smoothness. 

This classic single malt has a rich and fruity taste with a long, creamy and smooth finish.

The Glenlivet brand ambassador from South Africa, Sean Tantsi who was on hand to showcase the history of the whisky, made sure that everyone, including those with little to no knowledge about whiskies felt its greatness on all the five senses, the whisky entices – sound, taste, smell, sight and touch.

That is obviously something that needs no introduction to all those that love this hard drink anyway.

Leading up to the main event, The Nightjar used to host this experiential event for a straight six weeks, every Saturday.

And at the climax of it all, Shekhinah, who arrived in the country on Saturday afternoon, lived up to expectation. Before her set that lasted under an hour, the Afro Red Jazz band made sure there was no dull moment in the building.

The audience was kept entertained with their expertly executed covers to a number of great songs that ranged from both local to international.

That is why, by the time Shekhinah, the 27-year-old singer from Durban was making her way to the stage at around 22:00 hours, the groundwork had already been done for her – the people were already in the party mood.

Who would blame them anyway, when in the house, was an artiste who has continued to establish herself as an important voice in contemporary pop and urban RnB following her exploits on Idols South Africa not too long ago? By that, the frenzy that nearly ensued following her entrance in the building was not only expected, but also understandable – she is simply loved.

With just a keyboard player and a drummer for her set, Shekhinah expertly performed like a pro that she is.

Saving the best, in this case her most popular song Suited for last, she performed about eight songs before calling it quits, with a toast to a glass of The Glenlivet 12 Years.

And, oh! Everyone that was in attendance walked away with a present, the same way they were welcomed with a drink at the door. If you ask me, it was worth every penny.

This article was also published in the Zambia Daily Mail newspaper of Saturday, June 4, 2022.