Msaki, Jimmy Dludlu to headline Umtiza Arts Festival

They will be joined by Xhanti Nokwali, the Umtiza Jazz Band, Wild Coast Trio, Bra Retsi Pule, Neteske Horton, Sakhile Simani and international DJ Charles Webster, among others. The festival will also host a series of events including comedy, theatre, literature, exhibitions, lectures and children’s activities.

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, our creative industries have endured the worst effects of the pandemic, therefore it is with great pleasure that we welcome our patrons back to salute the courage and perseverance of the South African arts community,” the organisers said.

Msaki, who previously performed at the festival with the Keiskamma Music Academy, said: “It is such an honour to return this time to the main stage and to do workshops with the community.

“For me, it’s like going back home and being part of this great vehicle that always incorporates the community and involves a lot of entities. Any opportunity to play at home replenishes me like no other space can.”

Founded in 2016, the Umtiza Arts Festival is a popular platform for local artists as it showcases local talent on a big stage with a global audience. The event is family-oriented and caters to all ages with the aim of imparting the intrinsic value of the arts in turn contributing to nation-building and developing the local creative economy.