Stellar line-up for the Mapungubwe Arts & Heritage Festival

Gospel greats Solly Mahlangu, Sipho Makhabane and Worship House will be joined by nine local gospel acts in what promises to be an event that will raise hearts and voices.

The gospel festival, which starts at 11h00 is just one of the many exciting events taking place this week (5-13 December) in Limpopo at the Mapungubwe Arts and Heritage Festival. Celebrating all that is great about the province, the week will showcase local artists and promote one of South Africa’s most beautiful heritage sites.

This gospel festival’s outstanding line-up is then matched the following week at the Jazz and Heritage Festival taking place on 13th December, at the Polokwane Cricket Grounds. Starting at 11h00 the event features some of Limpopo, South Africa and Africa’s most exciting jazz performances. Afro-pop singer song writer Salif Keita (Mali), known for his reputation as the “Golden Voice of Africa” will be joined by local legends Hugh Masekela, Bhudaza, Jimmy Dludlu, Jonas Gwangwa, Thomas Chauke, Joe Shirimane, Colbert Mukwevho, Ringo Madlingozi, Candy and Limpopo’s own Selaelo Selota. The Jazz and Heritage Festival will also feature the following new and developing artists from the region: Advocate Bongororo, Lejekeje, Ricky Sekhale, Muzo Brothers, Ntsikwana, Brian Bomba, Malondolo, Innocent, Tyfenny and Mopedy. Tickets for the Jazz and Heritage Festival cost R100 and children under 12yrs are free.

Every day, the Limpopo story will be shared with audiences from 18h00 -23h00 at the Polokwane Library Gardens Hall by various groups local groups, ensembles and comedians. This includes Get Down Productions' Upfront on the 8 December, Polokwane Ensembles' Good Story to Tell on 9 December and a night of laughter with comedians Mashabela Galane, Thapelo, Collen Chepie and on 12 December. Entrance is free to all of these performances (Friday the 12th) .

Other events include the colourful Cultural Carnival, which will take place on 5 December and will include various local artists, musicians and cultural groups. There will also be an arts and craft market running every day at the SABC Park from 5 December to 12 December.  On the 11 December,  DJ Oskido, DJ Magubane (Munghana Lonene), DJ Jones (Phalaphala FM) and DJ Boeli (Thobela FM) will ensure that the Polokwane Shisa-Nyama (opposite ANC Office) is the place to be. The event starts at 18h00 and entrance is free.

“The Mapungubwe Arts Festival fosters social cohesion, unity and nation building for the diverse population in our country. It is educational in nature, exposing the younger generation to our local artistic talent. This event further encourages tourism into our Province which has positive economic spin-offs” said MEC Ndalane.

- Ticket bookings can be made at Computicket.

- For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and access to high res pics, please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7631/2.