SA: Vusi Mahlasela, DJ Maphorisa to headline African Renaissance Fest

The festival line-up also includes Tipcee, Moonchild, RudeBoyz, the Durban Gospel Choir and maskandi collaborative project Qadasi & Maqhinga.

Running under the theme Social Economic Transformation, the event is held every year in May as part of Africa Day celebrations. The festival includes a two-day conference on 24 and 25 May, a banquet, a VIP cocktail event and a concert on 26 May.

“The African Renaissance Concert on 26 May at the Durban ICC Arena is a highlight event of the festival programme and will pay a musical tribute to the festival’s 20-year legacy,” the organisers said.

“The year 2018 also marks the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, with a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation for people to make a difference and help build the legacy Mandela would be proud of, which is in keeping with the conference’s theme.”

African Renaissance organising committee chairperson Prof Sihawu Ngubane said: “Inclusive social economic transformation implies participation and benefit sharing by vulnerable groups, which is the fundamental driver for job creation and economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal.”

The first day of the conference is scheduled to be addressed by senior leaders in business and local, provincial and national government who will present various topics related to the theme.

Day two of the conference is intended to promote and maximise opportunities for young people who want to obtain college and university bursaries to study at international institutions.

“The opportunity to study internationally is a brilliant experience that provides not only the possibility of acquiring new knowledge and skills but promotes personal growth,” the organisers said.

Concertgoers are invited to come dressed to celebrate Africa’s Renaissance in a fitting style. A few spot prizes for the best-dressed members of the audience will be on offer.