May 10, 2007
By Ndaba Dlamini
A DIVERSE mix of musicians has been lined up for Africa Day celebrations, performing at various venues around Johannesburg.
Weekend-long activities start on Africa Day, on Friday, 25 May, stretching until Sunday, 27 May, in Newtown, Alexandra and Soweto. Joining the festivities, some of South Africa's top musicians will belt it out alongside leading African musicians.
"The Africa Day project has been developed over the last two years by Xoliswa Ngema from the Johannesburg Development Agency," said the City's director of arts, culture and heritage services, Steven Sack.
Joburg's Africa Day weekend party is part of Arts Alive, the City's annual international arts festival. The main body of Arts Alive takes place in September, Heritage Month, with theatre, dance, music, crafts and exhibitions happening across the city.
Speaking at the launch of Africa Day events in Newtown on Wednesday, 9 May, Sack said: "Thanks to a partnership between the National Lottery Distribution Fund, the French Institute, the SABC, Arts Alive and the City of Johannesburg, the project has grown to what is today. It is like a stone rolling down the hill gaining momentum."
Johannesburg was a city of migrants from within the country and beyond. As such, the City was committed to integrating different nationalities, manifested in the recent opening of the Migrant Helpdesk.
"By setting up the helpdesk, the mayor was concerned that these migrants from Africa should be given the same kind of treatment as their South African counterparts. These people contribute to the cultural diversity and vibrancy of Johannesburg. The Africa Day celebrations also reinforce the City's policy that we are a world-class African city."
Africa Day is celebrated across the continent to acknowledge its diverse cultures, languages and heritages. It represents union among African nations where the continent's common cultures and heritage are highlighted. 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 the common goal of achieving equality, justice and progress in all its nations.
On Friday, Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown will resonate to the sounds of Nigerian Afro-beat star Femi Kuti. The eldest son of the late superstar Fela Kuti, Femi has carved himself a path as an Afro-beat star in his own right, with his band Positive Force. He has toured Europe extensively and will release a definitive collection of his work so far as part of Africa Day celebrations.
Zambian vocalist Lindiwe, Ugandan Kinobe, South Africa's Ringo, Lesego, Corlea, Louis Mhlanga and Vuvuzela Orchestra will also perform at the square. The concert starts at 7pm and is free. It will be televised on SABC2 and SABC Africa from 10pm to midnight that evening.
Hip-hop sensation Flabba will perform at the Jukskei Park in Alexandra on Saturday 26 May
Celebrations shift to Alex's Jukskei Park, in Joburg's north, on Saturday. According to organisers, a fashion show "with a difference" will take place along the banks of the Jukskei River, starting at 9am. It will be followed by performances by hip-hop sensation Flabba and Sama winners L'vovo Derango and Siphokazi. Again the show is free.
The weekend will wind up on Sunday at Soweto's Mofolo Park, where Femi Kuti, Lira, Kinobe, Ziyaduma, Tuks and the Vuvuzela Orchestra will wow crowds with a hotchpotch of musical genres from Afro-jazz to hip-hop. The show starts at noon, and it is also free.
Siphokazi says she is particularly happy to be part of Africa Day celebrations. "As an artist, everything I do is inspired by my African-ness. From my artistic presentation to lyrical content and style, Africa is the common thread.
"It is a true privilege and honour to be able to join an amazing group of artists as part of the Africa Day celebrations in Alexandra. I have no doubt that we are going to have a brilliant Africa Day together in the heart of Alex – Jukskei Park."
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