honouring its artistic icons
9 March 2006
What do Miriam Makeba, Stimela, Hugh Masekela, Rebecca Malope, Esther
Mahlangu, Paul Slabolepszy and Zakkie Eloff have in common? These artists have
all been claimed as among South Africaâs greatest talents and in the case of
Mama Afrika, even the entire continents own. But few people know that all these
South African names share not only their tremendous contribution to music but
also all have roots in Mpumalangaâs fertile artistic soil.
Now the province of the rising sun will be honouring its most famous sons
and daughters in a groundbreaking new festival - the Mpumalanga Arts and
Culture Festival (MACFest). Built into the festivities is an Award Ceremony,
where these artists will be acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to
arts and culture in South Africa by the province that saw them taking their
first humble steps.
The MACFest launch will take place from Thursday to Saturday, 16 to 18
March, at the Witbank Civic Centre and will include performances by a whole
spectrum of Mpumalangaâs artistic talent from budding young talent to artists
who have become international celebrities.
The prestigious MACFest Awards Ceremony will take place in the form of a
glittering Gala event on Friday, 17 March, and will be hosted by Premier
Thabang Makwetla and MEC of Culture, Sport and Recreation, Nomsa Sanny.
Emerging young talent, often-neglected cultural icons as well as super
achievers will be honoured on the evening and entertainment will be provided by
the likes of Bra Hugh Masekela, Africa Sings and internationally acclaimed New
Orleans saxophonist Donald Harrison, will ensure an unforgettable evening.
Contributions towards all forms of arts and culture will be acknowledged,
including music, dance, theatre and the visual arts.
On Saturday, 18 March 2006, the doors to the Witbank Civic Centre will be
flung wide open and members of the public will be able to attend the concert
free of charge. Artist will perform on the venueâs three stages and will
feature the likes of South Africaâs Queen of Gospel, Rebecca Malope and the
countryâs biggest selling maskandi outfit Shwi. Stimela will heat up the
afternoon with their funky blend of soul and African rhythms along with other
Mpumalanga based acts including their own Masibuyele Ku Jehova.
The MACFest is a groundbreaking move towards acknowledging individuals from
the province that have made contributions to arts and culture in South Africa
and to also invest back and support a younger generation of artist that will
become the stars of tomorrow.
Enquiries:
Vanessa Perumal
Issued by: Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mpumalanga
Provincial Government
9 March 2006
