SA’s Ilembe Music Festival is here

The high profile event will feature more than 20 artists including Mafikizolo, Zahara, Mbijana Sibisi, Qadasi and Maqhinga Radebe. The festival comprises a full day of music and a morning programme at the nearby Luthuli Museum that includes a workshop and a question and answer session with selected musicians.

Performances will come from Groutville Hip-Hop All Stars, Uhuru Poets Society, Drummers of Burundi, Feast of Famine, Nancy G, Mashabuque, Kwini Kusa, Kalakar, Zamalinda Mbatha, Bonginkosi Buthelezi, Fenyeza, Galaza, Kwenzo Ndlovu, Siyanda Maphumulo, DJ Chief and DJ TPM.

 The festival is a partnership between South Africa’s Department of Arts and Culture and producers of Awesome Africa Festival Productions. The multi-cultural event will involve the communities of KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Ndwedwe and Maphumulo.

In keeping with the festival’s aim of showcasing local talent, organisers of the event have drawn up to 80%  of the performing artists from the local iLembe region.

 “The festival aims to be an iconic event that will last into posterity, and the added components of a local talent search and a capacity-building programme will address inherent societal issues such as economic development, job creation, skills transfer and talent identification, making it a truly unique event,” said Festival Director, Princess Nandi Zulu, in a statement.

Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Arts and Culture Bongi Sithole-Moloi expressed excitement about the event, “As the Department of Arts and Culture, we are very proud and excited to associate ourselves with this unique brand and concept. Besides many pro-active socio- economic elements, the Festival also addresses the vital aspects of social cohesion and nation building in our country. We pride ourselves in taking the music and the arts back to the people.”

The festival’s main stage is at the Groutville Sports Ground, a walking distance from Luthuli Museum.

The event will start from 9am till 6.30pm in the evening. Tickets are going for R50, and they can be obtained in advance at Computicket or at the gate on the day.

For further information on the festival, please visit the Awesome Festivals website or call the festival hotline on +2776 264 4289.