(David Jenkins, also known as Qadasi)
The third Awesome
Ilembe Music Festival – featuring a packed day-long line-up of more than 20
acts including Mafikizolo, Zahara, Mbijana Sibisi, Qadasi and Maqhinga Radebe,
takes place in Groutville in KwaDukuza on the KZN North Coast on December 27.
The festival
comprises a full-day of music at the Groutville Sports Grounds, and a morning
programme at the nearby Luthuli Museum which includes a workshop and a Q&A
with select musicians.
The festival is a
partnership between the Department of Arts and Culture and producers Awesome
Africa Festival Productions. The multi-cultural event will take the music to
the people – and directly involve the communities of KwaDukuza, Mandeni,
Ndwedwe and, Maphumulo.
The festival will
feature 20 acts, comprising more than 50 performers, both big name headline
acts and a large fringe line-up of local and regional talent across various
genres.
Headline acts
include Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza – better known as Mafikizolo – three
times SAMA award winners for group / duo of the year who will be performing
their trademark blend of Afro-Pop, Kwela and Marabi – with some great blues and
swing influences.
East London-born
singer-songwriter Bulelwa Mkutukana AKA Zahara – a multi award-winning AfroSoul
diva with an astonishing voice. She is also a poet, philanthropist and official
ambassador of The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital.
Former dental
technician and a featured contestant in The Voice SA (for Team Karen), Durban
singer songwriter guitarist, Mbijana Sibisi joins the line up presenting his
own style of fusion blues, African rhythms and maskandi.
David Jenkins, also
known as Qadasi, is an accomplished Maskandi musician who developed a deep
passion for Zulu culture and music at a young age growing up in Empangeni. He
will be performing with his firm friend and regular associate, fellow Maskandi
musician, Maqhinga Radebe.
In keeping with the
festival’s aim of showcasing local talent, it is envisaged that, up to 80% of
all talent will be drawn from the iLembe region.
“It is great to see
such iconic and unique brands provide great entertainment for the communities.
No longer will major events and artists dominate the big cities. As the
Department of Arts and Culture, we are very proud and excited to associate
ourselves with this unique brand and concept. Besides many pro-active socio-
economic elements, the Festival also addresses the vital aspects of social
cohesion and nation building in our country. We pride ourselves in taking the
music and the arts back to the people,” says MEC for Arts & Culture Bongi
Sithole-Moloi.
“With great
historical sites along the King Shaka Heritage route and the Chief Albert
Luthuli Museum, the Ndondakusuka Hills and the Nhlangakazi Mountains, we see
this festival growing organically in the future, enticing tourists not only
from South Africa, but also for the world to come and share our community
spirit and talent.” she adds.
Adds Festival Director
Princess Nandi Zulu, “The festival aims to be an iconic event that will last
into posterity, and the added components of a local talent search and a
capacity-building programme will address inherent societal issues such as
economic development, job creation, skills transfer and talent identification,
making it a truly unique event.”
The main stage is
at the Groutville Sports Ground, which is a walking distance from the museum,
and will host an exciting line up including Mafikizolo, Mbijana Sibisi, Zahara,
Qadasi & Maqhinga Radebe, Groutville Hip Hop All Stars, Uhuru Poets
Society, Drummers of Burundi, Feast of Famine, Nancy G, Mashabuque, Kwini Kusa,
Kalakar, Zamalinda Mbatha, Bonginkosi Buthelezi, Fenyeza, Galaza, Kwenzo
Ndlovu, Siyanda Maphumulo, DJ Chief and DJ TPM.
The Awesome Ilembe
Music Festival takes place on December 27 from 09h00 until 18h30 at KwaDukuza
Groutville Sports Grounds / Luthuli Museum. Entrance R50 at the gate or booked
through Computicket. For more information contact 076 264 4289, email: info@aweseomfestivals.co.za or visit www.awesomefestivals.com
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