The Alexander Theatre recently came alive with top South African emcee Tumi Molekane and his band, The Volume, alongside South Sudanese musician Emmanuel Jal.
Tumi and The Volume's performance last weekend was what has come to be expected of the talented entertainers.
Their brilliant instrumentals had the crowd swaying to the melodic rhythms.
Molekane sang favourites like What's It All About , Moving Picture Frames and Afrique, which had the crowd cheering when he meticulously listed 52 African states and paid homage to S outh Sudan.
It was a thrilling performance that could have been even better if the show had been in the basement area rather than the auditorium, which confined the crowd to their seats.
During the intermission the crowd flooded into the bar area.
It's a quaint little space with black and white chequered floors (which had been, until recently, hidden by an old carpet), old pub-style wooden finishes and ambient lighting.
When Jal arrived on stage, anticipation had built among the crowd, who had waited to see this former child soldier turned hip-hop artist perform.
The theatre may not have been the best place to watch Jal perform, but the venue has been a great space for some hot Johannesburg jols, from Balkanology to Die Antwoord concerts.
With each new act that performs here the venue is transformed.
The Stellas, Pistol Whip 45, The Slashdogs, Martin Rocka and The Sick Shop and ATFN are performing at The Alexander Theatre tomorrow night and Laurie Levine launches her Six Wintersalbum at the theatre on September 22.
- The Alexander Theatre is at 36 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
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