The Jubilee and Jabulani Memorial Homes were alive with music, joy, and celebration as the SA Army Band Western Cape honoured the iconic legacy of former President Nelson Mandela on Wednesday 29 January.
The concert, part of the global “67 Minutes” initiative, had been postponed from July 2024 due to the band’s packed schedule, but was worth the wait.
The performance was a musical tribute not only to Mandela’s enduring spirit of service but also to the elders and veterans of the community, showcasing the values of respect and unity he championed.
A masterful performance
The playlist included timeless pieces like “Frank Sinatra in Concert”, “Misty”, “Rock Fantasy”, and “Carpenters in Concert”.
The band also paid homage to the military with Band of Brothers and brought the audience to tears with a heartfelt rendition of “Amazing Grace”, led by Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Imrie.
The band delivered a stunning repertoire, blending classics with contemporary favourites.
“The SA Army Band Western Cape displayed excellent musical skills and professionalism and had a strong connection with the audience,” said Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul Braaf.
“The fans expressed their excitement through continuous cheering, singing along, and dancing. It created a lively and interactive atmosphere.”
According to Braaf the venue, Jubilee Memorial Hall, was an ideal setting for the event. Its central location, spacious hall accommodating over 200 people, and excellent acoustics made it a perfect choice.
The concert was not limited to residents of Jubilee and Jabulani Memorial Homes but also welcomed attendees from Protea Retirement Home, neighbouring old-age homes, church organisations, military veterans, and the broader community.
Honouring a legacy of service
Imrie, the bandmaster of the Nelson Mandela Artillery Regiment, brought decades of experience to the stage.
A versatile musician since his school days, Imrie has mastered instruments ranging from the trumpet and clarinet to the bagpipes and orchestral percussion.
Having joined the SA National Defence Force in 1983, Imrie has served in various branches, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Military Health Services bands. His leadership and dedication were evident in every note, leaving the audience in awe of his talent and the band’s cohesion.
“It’s not just about the music,” Imrie shared after the performance. “It’s about uplifting the spirit and bringing people together. That’s what Madiba would have wanted,” says Braaf.
A community united
The concert was more than a musical showcase; it was a celebration of community, heritage, and the power of connection.
Residents danced, sang along, and reminisced about the days when Mandela’s vision of hope and reconciliation transformed the nation.
For the elders, many of whom lived through South Africa’s most challenging times, the event was a poignant reminder of Mandela’s legacy. For younger attendees, it was an opportunity to connect with history through music.
As the final notes of “Amazing Grace” echoed through the hall, the audience erupted in applause, a fitting end to a remarkable celebration.
The SA Army Band Western Cape had not only honored Nelson Mandela but also brought joy and unity to everyone present – a true embodiment of Madiba’s spirit.
