Stars to light up Zuma's inauguration

President Jacob Zuma's inauguration is shaping up to be a glittering event with the who's who of SA music lined up to perform on the south lawns of the Union Buildings tomorrow.

It appears that the event will be as much about celebrating Nelson Mandela and 20 years of democracy as about feting Zuma.

Rehearsals have been going on all week at venues including the Market Theatre and Vuyani Dance Theatre, both in Johannesburg.

Vuyani Dance director and choreography supremo Gregory Maqoma is managing the event.

The Times understands that the Mzansi Youth Choir will perform Johnny Clegg's Asimbonanga, which called for the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Teen poet and 2012 SA's Got Talent winner Botlhale Boikanyo will appear after the choir, and multiple Sama-winner Zahara is to sing Nelson Mandela, which she wrote and performed for a frail Mandela three years ago.

Party starters Mafikizolo will tackle Miriam Makeba's Pata Pata before delving into their impressive catalogue and performing Happiness, Khona, Emlanjeni, Udakwa Njalo and Ndihamba Nawe.

"We're very excited and happy to be part of an event that will go down in history," Mafikizolo's Theo Kgosinkwe told The Times yesterday.

"It's important for us to be on that stage on that day - we'll be able to say we were part of the inauguration of our president.

"It's very humbling to be chosen, and definitely a highlight of our careers."

He said rehearsals had helped calm nerves but it was "not just another gig".

Other performers include:

• Yvonne Chaka Chaka, slated to perform Amazing Man and Motherland;
• Matthew Mole, who will be joined on stage by Selaelo Selota to collaborate on Umkhaya Lo;
• Crowd favourites The Soil with Joy, Inkomo and more;
• Gospel veteran Rebecca Malope (Umoya Wam and Ngegazi Lemvana);
• Claire Johnston, of Mango Groove fame, with Home Talk , and Dance Sum More;
• DJ Oskido picks it up with some dance hits;
• Kurt Darren will perform Kaptein and Vulindlela; and
• Phuzekhemisi will play Imbizo.

Tshwane has announced that the municipal bus service will run about 80 buses between the CBD and the Union Buildings tomorrow.