(Qadasi
& Maqhinga)
Many members of the local music community
have come together to champion the fight against rhino poaching and wildlife
crime by doing what they do best; holding a fun-filled day of music and
generously giving their time for free.
The musicians have partnered with Project
Rhino and will be hosting the inaugural Rhino Music Festival, aka Rhino Fest
which will be held at Shongweni’s Stonehaven Castle on October 5. The event
will start a11h00 and will feature live music all day until late from stars
such as Nibs van der Spuy and Guy Buttery, Calamity Jam, Tiffany Sheppard Band,
Adagio, Dan Chiorboli and Vusi Mkhize, Rastas at Work and Kholwa Project, to
name a few.
Also starring at the event will be Project
Rhino Ambassadors Qadasi and Maqhinga. The Durban area was chosen for the event
as it has always been blessed with a wide variety of great musical styles, so
you can expect abroad spectrum of music from pop, rock, Zulu maskandi to
isicathamiya, reggae, Indian traditional, blues and a fusion of “world music”
type acoustic folk.
The event aims firstly to get as broad a
multi-cultural and family orientated audience as possible and to raise urgently
required funds for all Project Rhinos’ initiatives. Secondly, it is to have a
unique day of high quality and diverse music, with informative conservation
talks from experts.
All of this can be enjoyed whilst sampling
products and wears such as craft beers, gin and food from local producers, at a
stunning venue.
(Dan
Chiorboli)
“I have always been passionate about the
bush and conservation from a young age’, says Artistic Director of the
festival, the world-renowned Dan Chiorboli. “The real tipping point for me was
working closely with Kingsley Holgate on a Transfrontier project and getting to
understand wildlife in a deeper sense. I also remember being profoundly moved
by a talk that Ian Player gave and the passion he displayed about the role of
the environment and the rhino world in particular.
“With the state of the economy as it
stands, I hate to ask musicians to play for free,” adds Chiorboli, “but I’ve
had relationships and great respect with many of these immensely talented
artists that go back a long time and there was immediate “buy in” from everyone
which has been extremely heart-warming and moving and I thank them all very
sincerely”
(Nibs
van der Spuy)
Project Rhino believes the severity of
wildlife crimes is not getting the attention it should. Crime is a significant
threat to the country and wildlife crime is no different. South Africa’s
largest population of rhino has been halved in 10 years resulting in a
decreasing white rhino population. Conservationists know all too well how bad
the situation is but unfortunately most people consider the problem has been
resolved. This year already has seen (as of 30 June 2019) the country lose a
further 316 rhinos.
“Having different sectors of the community
coming together for this cause is brilliant as it shows that people do care. The
event will showcase our cultural heritage which is in support of our natural
heritage. It will help keep people aware of what is going on while supporting
our efforts and having a pleasant day out at the same time” says Project Rhino
Coordinator, Chris Galliers.
Tickets R150 available at the entrance.
Project Rhino is an association of
like-minded organisations facilitating rhino conservation interventions aimed
at eliminating rhino poaching and securing the white and black rhino
populations in South Africa. The organisation recognizes that the work in
conserving and protecting rhinos from the threat of poaching is symbolic of the
broader threat faced by all wildlife and that all wildlife will benefit from
actions taken by Project Rhino.
For information on Project Rhino contact Chris
Galliers,Project Rhino Coordinator, on 083 687 5961 or email: info@projectrhinokzn.org
or visit www.projectrhinokzn.org
For information about the event contact
Carlien Esterhuizen, Project Rhino Assistant, on 083 312 4014 or email:
info@projectrhinokzn.org
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