On 16 August 2010, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana met with female artists from different genres to discuss a tribute to women concert. The meeting was also attended by prominent artists such as Florence Masebe, Chomee, Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, Lira Kohl, Lebo Mashile, Abigail Kubeka, Letta Mbulu, and Mara Louw, among others.
Speakers urged female artists across genres to unite in an effort to fast track their empowerment and advancement. The artists also conceded that there was a need for training and development opportunities. Veteran artists such as Letta Mbulu offered to assist in mentoring young artists. Most importantly, artists were urged to be in the forefront of the fight against social ills such as xenophobia, poverty and abuse of women and children.
The objective of the “The tribute to women concert is to pay tribute to all South African women artists who contributed in many ways to the upliftment of the country whilst improving themselves”, Minister Xingwana said. The Minister took the opportunity to announce that the department would set up a gender desk to deal with challenges of women in the arts, culture and heritage sector.
This is the first concert of its kind to mark the end our Women’s Month programme of activities. The concert will take place on 29 August 2010 at the State Theatre in Pretoria. The programme will kick start with welcome remarks by Minister Xingwana.
In order to make it a special tribute to women across all sectors of society, the lineup of artists is a blend of young and veteran artists. These artists are Dorothy Masuka, Thandi Klaasen, Irene Mawela, Mahotella Queens, Nothembi Mkhwebane, Zenzi Lee, Gloria Bosman, Chomee, Siphokazi, Judith Sephuma, Simphiwe Dana, Abigail Kubeka, Nhlanhla Nciza, Debra Fraser, Mara Louw, Linda Kekana, Nia Nell, Tamara Dey, Melanie Scholtz, Sibongile Khumalo and Sylvia Mdunyelwa.
Members of the media are invited to attend the concert. Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Sunday, 29 August 2010
Time: 16h00
Venue: State Theatre, Pretoria
Media enquiries:
Mr Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 50 76
Ms Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4 886
RSVP:
Mr Eric Mudzanani
Cell: 0829 400 927
