May 25, 2005
By Tabisa Mntengwana
NEWTOWN is the place to be this weekend as the Johannesburg Development Agency has planned a host of activities to celebrate Africa Day.
Although Africa Day is on 25 May, the weekend has been set aside for the main celebrations. Dance and music are on the cards for Saturday, 28 May.
"Newtown is the home of arts, culture and music in Joburg," says Africa Day publicist Annie Williamson. "And we find it relevant to host this event in such a place.
Musicians from Drum Café provide a rythmic beats to the Africa Day celebrations on the steps of the Johannesburg City Hall
"We are hoping the celebrations will bring the nation together and be an example to other African countries."
Africa Day is celebrated across the continent to acknowledge its diverse cultures, languages and heritages. It is also a day to reflect on the challenges facing the continent.
It coincides with the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 and more recently, the African Union. The former was established to promote unity and solidarity across Africa, with a common goal of achieving equality, justice and progress in all its nations.
The theme of Africa Day this year is "Celebrating the Contribution of our African Giants". Some of the city's top venues will host festivities, like the Bassline, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Nicky's Oasis, the Horror Café, Shivava's Café and The Dance Factory.
During the day Mary Fitzgerald Square will revive its history as a trading market and more than 120 stalls will sell crafts, antiques, collectables, food and fashion.
On the square's big screen the retail therapy will be accompanied by a string of music DVDs and African films, like Fela Kuti and Festival in the Desert.
Over at The Dance Factory the party will start heating up from 5pm, with a special programme called Dance Africa. On the programme is an extraordinary gumboot troupe from Ratanda, which incorporates acting, mime, dancing and sophisticated choreography.
Oliver Mtukudzi will get on stage to perform some of his most popular songs at the Bassline. Expect to hear Raki, Todii, Nda Kuvara and Wasakara from Tuku.
His music focuses on the social and economic issues that affect the daily lives of ordinary people, and is influenced by the traditional mbira and drumming rhythm of his clan.
The Bassline will also host Mamelodi's Vusi "The Voice" Mahlasela, who recently returned from a successful international tour. He will perform songs such as Mukai, Basimanyana, Silang Mabele and Emgodini.
From 9pm Mtukudzi and Mahlasela team up to perform as a duo. Tickets are available at Computicket.
Zambia's Afrosoul queen, Lindiwe, is on at Nicky's Oasis from 10pm. Her music is influenced by Lauryn Hill, Yussou N'dor, Busi Mhlongo and Sibongile Khumalo.
Shivava's Café will kick start its programme at 10pm with Malawian hip-hop group Real Elements. The trio has released two albums since 2000. The show, called Motola Style, mimics Malawi's public transport.
Late into the night it is time for the Horror Café, which will come alive at midnight with the sounds of DJ Nicky Blumenfeld of Kaya fm. Blumenfeld will spin the ever-so-popular sounds of Afro groove, funk, house and lounge.
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