(
Dr Madala Kunene. Pics Supplied)
The fest features Gcina Mhlope,
Madala Kunene and other big names.
Kwasuka Sukela, Building Bridges 2024 a day-long festival of arts, culture, fashion and food aimed at the whole family is presented by NAC in partnership with hot toffee communications, Shukus Greenleaf Estate, Msunduzi Municipality and Msunduzi Library Services at Shukus Greenleaf Estate, Foxhill in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday December 15 from 10h00.
This entertaining festival features storytelling, music, poetry, an art exhibition, fashion, crafts, live performances, food and some children will be given an opportunity to come enjoy the fun as part of the event’s charity drive. A “Kidz Zone” has a jungle gym, jumping castle and a mobile library to keep the little
(Gcina Mhlope)
The line-up includes celebrated and legendary artists
including storytellers – Dr Gcina Mhlophe and Mzwandile Ntombela; music
performances by legendary jazz and Zulu folk blues artist Dr Madala Kunene, and legendary guitarist Themba
Mokoena, award-winning Mthobisi Mthalane, Khethi Ntshangase (Reunion Island),
Pretty & The Music, Undivided Roots, Zolani G and Tribe of Afro and Essentials.
Poets include Sthembile Thingo Gwala and Nkululeko Mdladla, and a host MC’s
Ayanda Seoka and Ndu Zondi to keep the entertainment well-oiled.
A visual art exhibition curated by Dawn Melanie features
work by Dawn, Lelo Mncwango, John Rogers, Meleney, and Brian Zondi of Da Brian
Photography (the Creative Director of the festival), Dj’s: KBZL, Ladee M and
Usduhmore. There will also be exhibiting fashion designers and crafters. Poetry
and visual arts competition winners from an initiative run by hot toffee will
also feature, and Msunduzi Library services will have their Mobile Library at
the venue.
(Pretty Olifant)
“The idea of this festival came out of the need for us to
celebrate local artists,” says Pretty Olifant, from
hot toffee marketing. “Our city, is constantly losing talent to other major
centres, and we are wanting to create viable opportunities for artists to
benefit from us hosting events.
“Our aim is to create and grow business opportunities with
emerging businesses around Umgungundlovu,” says Olifant. “We hope to promote the arts as a way of
life, and to encourage our people to tell and share their stories as a means of
cultural preservation.”
“Our theme for the year is Shifted Perspectives,” continues Pretty. “We explore Shifted Perspectives through an African
spiritual context, and we look forward to welcoming our audience to celebrate
this with us.”
Tickets range from R50 to R450, and are available at Webtickets
or Pick n Pay outlets or at the gate.