Set in the heart of Limpopo, the Mapungubwe Arts and Heritage Festival (Summer Season), celebrates the wealth of talent in the province and the country, as well as one of South Africa’s most magnificent heritage sites. In showcasing the province and all that it has to offer, this week-long festival, from the 5th December – 13th December contributes to its economic growth through its arts and culture.
The Mapungubwe Arts and Heritage Festival opens and closes with two music events; the Gospel Festival on 6th December and the Jazz and Heritage Festival on the 13th December. During the week, the Limpopo story is told in theatre and comedy by local artists. There is something to see every day, so whether you come to enjoy one or two of the performances or take the week to enjoy all the attractions this beautiful area has to offer, it will be festival to remember.
The gospel festival will be held at the Polokwane Cricket Grounds and starts at 11h00 features eight Limpopo gospel acts Worship House, Go Explo, Pastor T, Urban Matjile, Lucia Hlabangwana, James Shimange, Nkele Mphahlele, Mampuru Essy Keka. They will be joined by Sipho Makhabane and Solly Mahlangu. Tickets cost R50 and children under 12yrs are free.
During the week there will be a variety of theatre performances taking place every day, at 18h00, at the Polokwane Library Gardens Hall. Drawn from the province, these performances will vividly share Limpopo’s story through comedy and drama. Entrance is free to all of these performances.
Then on the 11th December 2014, DJ Oskido, DJ Brian-Munghana Lonene, DJ Jones Phalaphala FM and DJ Boeli Thobela FM will battle it out in a bid to get bodies moving and feet dancing at the Polokwane Shisa-Nyama (Opposite ANC Office). The Battle of the DJs starts at 18h00 and entrance is free.
The Mapungubwe Arts and Heritage Festival will draw to close with the Jazz and Heritage Festival taking place on 13th December, at the Polokwane Cricket Grounds, which starts at 11h00. With many of the featured artists with deep Limpopo roots, this event is truly a showcase of the province’s talent and style. National Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela, Thomas Chauke, Joe Shirimane, Colbert Mukwevho and Candy all hail from the province. They join afro-pop singer song writer Salif Keita from Mali, known for his reputation as the “Golden Voice of Africa”, guitarist Jimmy Dludlu, Saxphonist Bhudaza. The Jazz and Heritage Festival will also feature 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.
“The Department is proud to announce that for both the Gospel and the Jazz Festival our local artists make up more than 80% participation – spread across all the five Districts of the Province. The is part of the resolutions taken at the Arts & Culture Indaba in July this year,” said MEC Nandi Ndalane
“The Mapungubwe Arts and Heritage 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 from Friday, the 28th of November 2014.