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Tuesday, December 7, 2021

AFRICAN WOMEN WRITERS SYMPOSIUM TAKES PLACE IN DURBAN FOR THE FIRST TIME

The 7th African Women Writers Symposium (AWWS), supported by The Department of Sports, Art and Culture (DSAC) and produced by Afro Arts SA, in partnership with the Amazulu Gardens, presents a special Afro Jazz concert and poetry show.

The performance will be hosted at the Amazulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct in Kloof, Durban, on December 12.

It is the first time that the programme, usually only hosted in Johannesburg, also takes place in Durban. The organisers have made sure it will be one to remember by bringing a stunning line-up with a great selection of headlining artists, such as trombone player, vocalist, lyricist and songwriter Siya Makuzeni and her trio.

Makuzeni has many achievements in her name, Johnnie Walker Ambassador (2019), British Council Commissioned Composer (2018), Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz 2016 recipient, and the young talent has regularly collaborated with A-list South African musicians such as Themba Mkhize, Afrika Mkhize, Feya Faku, Khaya Mahlangu, Abigail Khubeka, the late Sibongile Khumalo, as well as featuring in Grammy award artists David Murray, Jacky Terrasson and Branford Marsalis’ performances. Also featuring in the concert are legendary guitar maestro Bheki Khoza, who is backed by his band and featuring jazz vocalist Xolisa Dlamini and Zimbabwean singer and mbira player Hope Masike.

The line-up is completed by three well-established authors and performing poets Thando Fuze and Sindiswa ‘Lady Africa’ Zulu from Durban and Luleka Mhlanzi from Pietermaritzburg.

“We always have been wanting to bring our Women Writers Symposium to Durban and are delighted to finally have been granted the opportunity to do so. We are looking forward to bringing Durban audiences this wonderful combination of music and words.” says organiser Roshnie Moonsammy.

The performance will be hosted at the Amazulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct at 84-88 Kloof Falls Rd, Kloof, on December 12 from 14h00 to 17h00. Tickets are from R120 and are available on Webtickets.

Tickets are limited, and the event will adhere to all Covid protocols.

No weapons, food or drinks to be allowed into the venue. Food and refreshments on sale at the venue.

There is limited parking at the venue. Patrons are advised to use free parking at St Agnes Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof, and there will be a cheap shuttle service to the venue and back. A ticket to the concert will allow you free entry between 10h00 and 14h00 to the Gardens.

For more information on the African Women Writers Symposium and the Afro Jazz Amazulu Gardens in Kloof, visit www.afroarts.co.za