just jinjer rock (27.09.06)

i've never been a big just jinjer fan, but when i heard they were playing at the botanic gardens on my second-to-last night in south africa, i thought what the hell. having only one friend in durban (you know who you are), i cruised down to the concert with my sister and her mates.

it sure is a weird set up - like everything in durban it is super chilled. the stage is small and simple - no big screens, no hi-tech flame throwers, no unnecessary stuff. the lighting is amazing (mainly due to the selfless work of clint mcconnell - that man is an inspiration). there is no golden circle. apparently you are not allowed to be in the front if you are going to stand. everyone sits around on their blankets with their picknik baskets, munching on cocktail sausages and chillibites. it's mellow. most of the people are in the 16 - 24 yr old bracket. i felt old.

the time on the ticket says 7.30pm. the show started at 7.30pm. no messing around with rubbish supporting acts. just plain fat darren introduced the band and then kicked back with a beer and a fag and his feet up on the side of the stage. they started off with a few of their more popular songs. i don't know the names of the songs. people were just sitting there - unsure of what to do. only the younger folk, the 16 to 20 yr olds, looked enthusiastic. they didn't care. this is the generation that is going to carry the nation to greatness. they have passion. the older generation - my generation - seemed afraid to enjoy the music. we really are the lost generation. generation x.

sugarman, five or six songs in, finally got everyone on their feet. soon enough people were singing and dancing around. despite being a bluff boy, art (the lead singer) sure does come up with some awesome, uniting lyrics - very apt in the current context of south african society. the new song is especially good. it was great. the atmosphere was fantastic and a feeling of love and goodwill reigned down. it gave me hope.

after the concert i bumped into a few old mates from school and varsity days (steve, clint, and lee... as well as kenny from hills howard). it was super cool to hang out with them and reminisce about the old days and find out how other guys are doing. we sure did have a laugh. and we had our picture taken with art - which was a bonus.

i felt priviledged to be able to have such a great night.

just a quick note on south africa: i hadn't been back for ages and i was expecting the worst after all the stories i had heard. but what i saw and felt came as a pleasant surprise. the place is colourful and vibrant. things seem to be moving forward and improving. there is loads and loads of construction going on everywhere and durban is flush with money at the mo. i'll def be back there in a few years to live. south africa is still the most awesome place in the world.

but stand proud, stand tall, look round
you've done the impossible
and here's to you
you've found yourself
and it's about time