August 24, 2006
By Ndaba Dlamini
THE international Arts Alive Festival, hosted and sponsored by the City of Johannesburg, was officially launched by executive mayor, Amos Masondo, at Museum Africa in Newtown on Wednesday, 23 August.
The festival will feature gigs of various music genres, theatre and dance throughout the month of September.
Since its inception 15 years ago, the Arts Alive Festival has become a premier event featuring "a unique blend" of top-level international artists and local talent to create a world-class entertainment experience, said Masondo.
"When you look at the programme, you will get a sense of the seamless fusion of Afro-Cuban beat with the rhythmic cadence of African poets and the mellow sounds of township jazz that constitutes the highlights of this year's events."
Also in attendance was the City's director of arts, culture and heritage services, Steven Sack, and the mayoral committee member for community development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, who said this year's event is about improving the quality of life of the residents of Johannesburg.
There will be music and dance galore
"The City is committed to building a world-class African city where all residents enjoy a sound health infrastructure, access to decent housing and equal economic opportunities. An event such as the Arts Alive Festival is thus a critical element to promote social cohesion and reduce poverty."
The 2006 programme is composed of two parts, the regular Arts Alive events of which the recently ended Women in Arts Festival is part, and the annual September Festival. The event is based at venues in the Newtown Cultural Precinct and surrounds.
The September Festival, which kick-starts with a grand opening on Friday, 1 September, intends to bring the diverse elements of the programme of traditional dancing, comedy, poetry, the fine arts and music "into a greater focus through quality entertainment and exhibitions that will be on display", Masondo said.
"This year we will celebrate the prowess of globally recognised artists and performers, but also afford young and upcoming local talent the opportunity to play and exhibit to a larger audience."
Masondo called on the people of Johannesburg to support the Arts Alive events "in droves".
"I am confident that this year's festival will entertain and surprise you. Good art does not always fill you with a sense of calmness and satisfaction."
This year's programme promises a diverse array of entertainment for the whole family. After Masondo's speech, programme director, Charles Mabaso, unveiled a line-up that will have audiences spoilt for choice.
Vusi Mahlasela will give jazz lovers a treat
The public festival kicks off with the popular Vusi Mahlasela and Blk Sonshine at Bassline on 2 September followed by the hugely anticipated Jazz on the Lake free concert where a line-up consisting of Mimi Ntenjwa, Sylvester Mazinyane, Nokukhanya Dlamini and a band from Sweden, Daisy, is expected to wow the crowds.
Hip-hop lovers are in for a treat on Friday, 8 September, when 5fm and Arts Alive present Mattafix, Hip Hop Pantsula, Farryl Purkiss and DJ Bob at the Marquee at Mary Fitzgerald Square. One of the events billed to be the biggest live concert in Johannesburg this year, the MTV Alert concert, will feature South Africa's biggest artists and bands mixed between sets by massive international and local DJs. The event takes place at the Mary Fitzgerald Square on 16 September.
For those who are into traditional dance and music, the Maskandi Music Festival at the Marquee in Newtown presented by the Gauteng department of sport, art, culture and recreation is the place to be. The festival on 23 September will feature maskandi maestro Phuzekhemisi, popular group Shwi Nomtekhala and Ihashi'elimhlophe.
Kids around Soweto will have a chance to develop their appreciation of the arts in a pilot project called the Soweto Children's Festival to be held at Ubuntu Kraal in Orlando West on 25 September. The one-day children's project will feature children's music, story-telling, face painting, theatre and a balloon festival.
A delectable theatre feast is also lined up at the Market Theatre featuring a classic tale, Lord of the Flies, Truth in Translation, The Travellers and Sizwe Banzi is Dead. A Puisano Jazz and Taverns initiative which aims to combine established and emerging artists will take place in various townships around Johannesburg, kicking off at The Backroom night spot in Soweto where Swazi Dlamini will strut her stuff.
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