Living the perfect lifestyle is about balance and not only enjoying, living and loving life but also giving back. Giving back sincerely enables us to receive in abundance as well as touch the lives of others as well as spread love and so much more. On Thursday I attended the Ard Matthews & Friends MyLife Benefit Concert at the stunning Upper East Side Hotel in Cape Town and what a special night beautifully arranged by the lovely ladies at The Little Black Book.

For those who don’t know the Ard Matthews & Friends MyLife Benefit Concert is a night all about giving back where all proceeds go to the MYLIFE Foundation Ubuntu Villages which is a really worthy cause that aims at making a difference in the lives of children and giving them a opportunity at life and allowing them to experience the same love and joy that we do.

No better way to kick off the evening than with a glass of Nederburg Winemasters Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 which was complimented nicely with the selection of canape on offer. I was joined later by some friends and mingled as well as met some really interesting and humble, sincere people that really inspired me in a big way. The conversation was memorable, the smiles real and the company, quality. All of this making an amazing event, magical.

Performances by Louise Day and D7 really just complimented the vibe during the evening. Such unique talent and voices and it reminds us just what talent is out there and to support the local music scene as well. The crowd was definitely feeling it. The lovely Zolani Mahola from Freshly Ground also performed and sang a variety of unplugged and accompanied tracks. All I can say is wow, you need to have been there to have experienced the magic. Below is a small sample of her beautiful voice and what went down.

I of course have a sweet tooth and couldn’t resist the Candy Shop by the Wings Group. Who can resist that sweet candy smell. While that and the Nederburg Wine went down smoothly, the evening seemed to fly by.

There was just too much goodness to enjoy and all for such a great cause. The auction held was a big successful and some rather interesting items were auctioned including a Roger Federer Signed Nike Bandana.

Following the events in the week gone by Ard Matthews sang the South African National Anthem with Zolani Mahola and with the crowd in attendance it was definitely a goosebump filled moment which added to this already special event. No matter what you’re thinking right now, click play on the video below and check it out. In the crowd, feeling the vibe and the moment. You’ve got to see it.

By this time the everyone was really into the evening and ready for more so Ard Matthews did a solo performance and here’s a clip of the ending of his rendition of Sixto Diaz Rodriguez’s “Sugar Man”. Everyone loved it.

Closing off the evening in style was Dino Moran who just took it to another level with his DJ Set. What can I say, I’ve always been a fan of quality House Music and Dino just pumped it, so much so I could hear it rocking in the parking bay. He kept it going till the very last beat and everyone wanted to party, even on a Thursday night. What better way to begin the weekend than with an event like this and with Dino Moran closing the night.

If you have some time, check out the MyLife Foundation by clicking on the link and remember, it’s never too late to give back and spread love and touch the lives of others. What you put out there, you’ll receive. Living the lifestyle is about balance. Don’t get it twisted. Like it says on the MyLife page, Be The Change… If you want to check out some more pictures or who else was there, scroll down.