Fans of iscathamiya,
the indigenous music genre made famous by Grammy Award winners, Ladysmith Black
Mambazo, are gearing themselves up for what promises to be a spectacular grand
finale on Saturday (September 27).
The Playhouse
Company's National Iscathamiya Festival forms part of national Heritage Month
and this year's staging of the popular event promises to be something out of
the ordinary as a host of new and exciting ideas and innovations have been
introduced to the programme.
Groups which have
already auditioned and made the grade in different districts will travel to
Durban to compete in the final round.
In addition to the
a cappella group singing and dancing that characterise this much-loved art
form, the festival will also feature the traditional Oswenka and Onobuhle
sections.
Now into its 17th
year, this annual traditional music festival brings together music fans and
singing groups from all over KZN and the Eastern Cape alongside the return of
Gauteng, and has become one of the major highlights of Durban's arts and
culture calendar.
"While I am
familiar with most genres of music, traditional forms like Iscathamiya are
close to my heart and an intrinsic part of the soul of our nation”, says
Playhouse CEO and Artistic Director, Linda Bukhosini. “Also this year’s
Ischatamiya holds special significance as we celebrate the rich heritage of
South Africa with our 20 years of a democracy.”
The programme
includes a stunning fashion extravaganza and promises entertainment for both
young and old.
The competition
takes place in the Playhouse Opera on September 27. Tickets R65. Call 031 369
9456 during office hours and visit www.playhousecompany.com for more information.
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