In celebration of 20 years of Democracy the Nelisa Mzimela
Legacy Foundation presents the third annual Ntuzuma / INK Arts Festival - an
arts, culture and tourism project established and managed by the organisation
founded for this purpose by Nelisa Mzimela. The festival runs from August 26 to
30 2014 in Ntuzuma Township.
Nelisa Mzimela is Festival Director of the Annual Ntuzuma /
INK Arts Festival , and is also KZN co-ordinator for the Performing Arts
Network of SA, PANSA.
“The festival covers all aspects of the arts from Music,
Dance and Choreography, DJ’ing, Fashion and Theatre – all with a strongly
developmental and educational approach,” explains Mzimela.. “The festival aims
to create various platforms for both the emerging and professional artists to
showcase, promote and develop their work, talents and skills, acquire knowledge
and networking opportunities through the various industry workshops and
performances. The festival aims to create jobs for artists and business
opportunities for the communities involved.”
This year the festival has involved several other
professional organisations from the various sectors of the creative and
performing arts: such as the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA);
Twist Theatre Projects; Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre; KwaZulu-Natal United Music
Industry Association [KUMISA]; KZN Music House; Durban Film Office; Durban Art
Gallery, KZNSA Gallery; the Green Camp and many more. These organisations are
contributors to the festival and will be facilitating specific workshops thereby
allowing emerging artists from these sectors and opportunity to gain knowledge
and empower themselves.
The Festival will start off with a few arts workshops aimed
at local and visiting emerging artists; these workshops will be facilitated by
professionals from the industry and are free of charge. (see separate story http://news.artsmart.co.za/2014/08/ntuzuma-arts-festival-workshops.html)
For the first time the festival will have an Opening Night
on August 28 at Ink Creative Centre from 17h00 to 22h00. Tha Simelane will keep
the audience entertained alongside co-host Mpumy Ndlovu , and will give an the
opening theatre performance accompanied by the poetic sounds of Radwinn van
Wyk. Other artists performing on the opening night include afro-Jazz artists
Ebonygypsy from Idols fame, Zulublue, Ink Gospel Competition Winners “The
Mighty Tweens” and Crown Gospel winners the Fifty 50 Family, and a special
dance ensemble by the local group called African Champions.
For the past month, the festival has been running a
competition for the public to nominate the INK Artists of the Year 2014; this
award will go to that individual artist whose work touches the lives of many in
the community; an artist whose work is still relevant to the community and is
based in the community of INK. Top three nominees in no particular order were
Mzamo Da Storyteller, Mkho Dube and Nkanyiso Ferrero Le Poet. The winner will
be announced on opening night.
The theme of the festival this year is 20 years of Democracy and Freedom, looking at the role artists play
in this democratic community. The festival will open with a film titled Shield and Spear, screened at the 2014 Durban
International Film Festival. It tells a story of a democratic South Africa
through the eyes of the artists and was produced by Marquise Stilwell and
directed by Petter Ringbom. The Opening Night promises to be an evening of
glitz and glamour; the dress code will be formal / Smart Casual for all guests.
Tickets R30 at the door or via the office of Ntuzuma Arts Festival on 76 Clark
Road, Glenwood, Durban.
Every year the festival hosts a Career and SMME Exhibition
at the Ntuzuma A Hall, inviting local schools to send their grade 10–12
learners to attend. This is an important element of the festival aimed at
promoting education, career guidance and supporting SMME’s. The exhibition will
take place on August 29 at Ntuzuma A Hall from 09h00 to 16h00. Institutions and
organisations wishing to exhibit should contact Exhibition Coordinator, Motaung
Koalane, on 060 439 3518.
Various artists will perform at the exhibition including
theatre productions. Theatre productions will showcase on August 29 at Ntuzuma
A Hall:
11h00 to 12h00: The Girls.
Directed by Roel Twijnstra and focusing on high schools, it is based on the
abduction of schoolgirls 15 years ago, in much the same way as to what is going
on now in Nigeria.
13h00 to 14h00: Farm
Workers directed by Lucky Cele and performed by Mzansi Arts Development, it
is based on the lives of farm workers and the living conditions and everyday
lives.
On Saturday there will be a Dance and Choreography Workshop
at Ink Creative Centre, followed by a Street Dance Competition. Dancers and
Groups interested in entering should contact Dance Coordinator Motaung Koalane
on 060 439 3518 or via e-mail ntuzumaartsfestival@gmail.com.
Later on Saturday, catch the Closing Fashion and Music Show
with LIVE Music Performances and DJ’s at Seme’s Place at B 338 Nsephe Road,
Ntuzuma Township. Tickets R30 sold at the door or via Ntuzuma Arts Festival
offices.
On August 26 and 27 from 17h00 to 21h00 there will be a
Township Vibe Initiative / Shisa-Nyama Session aimed at supporting local
businesses and promoting tourism in the INK region. For those who want to experience
township culture and cuisine during the festival, will be able to meet the
locals and spend a day or the whole week at in the township.
More information or bookings through Coordinator: Nelisa
Mzimela on 078 609 5201 or via e-mail ntuzumaartsfestival@gmail.com
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