The international troupes for the Gauteng Carnival have started arriving, with Nigerians the first to arrive yesterday by landing through the OR Tambo International Airport. The troupes are getting themselves ready for the festivities this coming weekend at Mofolo Park in Soweto, starting 4 to 6 June.
Arriving today are the Algerians, German witches, the Cameroonians and locally troupes from North West, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have been arriving since this morning. The troupes are being accommodated at Stay city in Berea.
Accompanying the Nigerians is their National Commissioner of Arts and Culture, the CEO of National Carnival and the National Director of Cultural Affairs. Famous for the Abuja carnival the troupe will dazzle the streets of Soweto during the six kilometres parade this Saturday on 5 June.
As will all the others, the troupes will first be part of the opening ceremony on 4 starting at 18h00 where the large showstopper costumes will be unveiled for the first time to the public. Enthralling floats towering over eight meters in height will be on display as the Gauteng Premier Ms Nomvula Mokonyane officially opens the three day carnival.
The other troupes and participants include the Brazillians, the French Institute's Giant Match Puppets, a troupe from Mpumalanga and troupes from the seven Gauteng regions being Ekurhuleni, City of Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Westrand, Merafong, Metsweding and City of Tshwane.
Each of the regions will be displaying a national symbol design through their costumes.
* The Secretary bird - Tshwane
* Mapungubwe Rhino - Ekurhuleni
* Boabab tree - Metsweding
* Springbok - Westrand
* Galjoen Fish - Sedibeng
* Order of Ikhamanga - Johannesburg
* RSA Parliament Emblem – Merafong.
Following the parade on five starting and ending at Mofolo Park from 12h00 to 15h00, party revellers will have a chance to dance to the beats of six DJs as they battle it out for the honour of being crowned the top Gauteng Carnival DJ. They (revellers) will also make their input in deciding who the crown prince is. The winning DJ will receive equipment to the value of R50 000 (fifty thousand rands), a chance to study sound engineering and a free membership with Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO).
The carnival party continues with a stellar line-up on Sunday, 6 with a free music concert like no other still at Mofolo Park. Jonas Gwangwa, Thandiswa Mazwai, Selaelo Selota and rapper PRO are just a few of the hot South African artists performing on the day. Joining in is the eclectic sounds of the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra and the impassioned sonic grooves of Spain's flamenco music featuring South Africa's Tshepo Mngoma, Bheki Khoza and the Soweto Spiritual Singers.
For more on carnival including images visit: http://www.gautengcarnival.co.za or call:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Cell: 083 507 8068
Issued by: Department of Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation, Gauteng Provincial Government
10 June 2010
Source: Department of Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.srac.gpg.gov.za/Index.asp)
