(Keeran Eshwarlall)
As a fitting finale to the Celebration of 20 years of
Freedom and Democracy in South Africa, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and
Culture, in partnership with Awesome Africa Festival Productions, is set to
host the Awesome Africa International Arts Festival.
Featuring a host of world-renowned performers across a
number of genres, the festival will take place over two days (April 26 and 27) in
different venues, kicking off with a Gala Concert at The Playhouse on April 26
and followed by a full day at the Sibusisiwe Community Hall and Lovelife Centre
in Mandeni, iLembe District on the North Coast on April 27.
For the Playhouse concert, doors open at 17h00 and the
concert begins at 18h00. Headlining the festival is the legendary Salif Keita
from Mali, the “Golden Voice of Africa” whose place in the pantheon of African
music has been well-documented and revered. He performs with his dynamic 13
piece band from Dakar.
The award winning South African hip hop artist Kuli Chana
together with MuzArt will also grace the Playhouse stage. Kuli is a
multitalented musician well known for his ‘Motswako’ rap style which includes street-talk
and highly influential messages in Setswana, English and other South African
languages. MuzArt is a five piece musical collective that has collaborated with
noteworthy musician. The group was nominated for South African Music Awards,
Metro FM Music Awards and UK’s Soul Survivor Awards.
Awesome Africa has become known for its unique
collaborations in the past, and this year’s festival is no exception. The
“Freedom Suite” collaboration, which will perform at both venues, brings
together the extraordinary talents of South African living legend Ray Phiri
together with the “Jimi Hendrix of the kora” N’Faly Kouyate from Guinea in West
Africa, who besides fusing storytelling, jazz, dance and traditional griot
music is also known for his collaborations with the Afro-Celt Sound System
which blend Irish Celtic music with that of West African countries. The
powerful and trance-like Drummers of Burundi from Central Africa will also form
part of this unique collaboration.
Other featured artists are Christine Salem, the maloya
superstar from Reunion Island, award-winning guitar maestros Nibs van der Spuy
and Guy Buttery, the alluring maskandi duo Qadasi and Maqhinga Radebe, and a 72nd
birthday homage to Steve Fataar who will perform with master Cape Town
guitarist Errol Dyers. Pride of the Zulu will also serenade the audience with
their accapella styled traditional melodies.
The Mandeni festival kicks off at 11h00 on April 27 with a
free Business Management Workshop for up and coming artists as well as relevant
arts practitioners. Topics that will come under the spotlight include
performing platforms and funding, contracts and copyright, studio etiquette and
the value of quality sound, the digital freeway and international marketing and
identity.
A broad spectrum of genres will be represented and the
illustrious visitors to Mandeni will include Ray Phiri, N’Faly Kouyate, The
Drummers of Burundi, the ground breaking DJ Websta, Holly - known for her
“Kasi” vibes, house music and crowd rocking stage performances, Christine
Salem, Existing Consciousness and the sizzling Afro-Latino sounds from Napalma
(Brazil / Mozambique).
In keeping with the theme of showcasing talent from the
Mandeni, KwaDukuza, Ndwedwe and Maphumulo regions of iLembe, artists include
traditional Indian sounds from Kalakara featuring Keeran Eshwarlall,
traditional Zulu dancing with Amasokemvelo, popular gospel band Mandeni Soul
Healers, choral accapella from Central Voices, maskanda star Sgora, kwaito
sensations GS, Ndwandwe Sister and Ukujabula Kuyashiyana the winners of
Ndwedwe’s Isigekle Competition. Comedian Siyanda Maphumulo, DJ Dope and
Groutville’s Uhuru Poets Society will keep the audience entertained between
sets. Festivities close at 21h00.
“Besides many pro-active socio-economic elements, the
Festival commemorates Freedom Day by linking a concert in Durban with a project
to take the music and the arts back to the people - in essence straight into
the communities who have supported our fight for freedom and democracy,” says
MEC for Arts & Culture Mrs Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Sapetha. “This important
synergy also addresses the vital aspects of social cohesion and nation building
in our country. No longer will iconic events and artists be the domain only of
the big cities. Whilst offering our local artists a platform to showcase their
talents on an international stage, this event also serves to bring a signature
event to Durban as well as helping to boost tourism levels and create jobs in
the Mandeni area.”
The Awesome Africa International Arts Festival takes place
on April 26 and 27. Tickets for both the Playhouse and Mandeni events are R150
pp booked through Computicket and Shoprite Checkers. Tickets will be available
at the door but it is preferable to book early.
For more information go to www.awesomeafrica.co.za
or call Gabi on 082 419 4509