Entering its 15th edition this years’ festival organisers have gone out to break the bank in acquiring South Africa’s own top performers and musicians. Yes, for the very first time there are no international artists featured.
“Its about time we promote our own because they have international status as well,” quipped the head of communication at Sol Plaatjie Municipality-Sello Matsie.
Over five days from March 24 to 28, close to 50 performers and artists will dazzle, entertain as they put the ‘Diamond City’ as Kimberley is known, on the entertainment calendar it deserves.
The potpourri of events begins with Comedy & Fashion on Thursday; Gospel on Friday; Blaq Out Show on Saturday (all taking place at the International Mitta Sperepere Convention Center).
The entertainment starved locals will mingle with the likes of David Kau, Skhumba and Tatz Nkonzo on the comedy front on March 24, whereas, popular Sifiso Ngcwane, Grace Gomolemo and Northern Cape Choristers, will put on the (Holy) performance (its Good Friday after all) on Friday.
MetroFM’s superstar Tbo Touch, chart buster Fifi Cooper, WTF, The Naked DJ, award winner Mtee, Fistaz Mixwel and other locals will turn up the Convention Center.
To put cherry on top of the cake- the tradtional venue Langley Resort on Sunday hosts musical exponents par excellence such as Lira, Zahara, Zonke, Mafikizolo, Somizi, Dr Victor, Ernie Smith, Nathi, Ringo, Kelly Khumalo and local artists, wrapping up the activities.
“This year’s entertainment extravaganza aims to attract over 25 000 people during the period of 5 days. We have the best line-up of entertainment, majority of South Africa’s award winning and biggest selling artists including our great home-born and based talent to appease young people, families, adults, urbanized trendsetters and music lovers across all genres,” commented Somandla Sibisi, Festival Organiser.
“The D&D brand keeps growing and as the Municipality, we’re happy with the growth thus far.
As for job creation, this creates direct and indirect opportunities which is one of the mandates of the Municipality,” says Matsie, without mentioning the actual revenue that will be contributed into the coffers of the City.
Tickets for Comedy & Fashion: R150; Gospel show R150. Alls shows start from 6pm.
Blaq Out Show at (Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre – Garden Side) begins from 11am on Saturday. Tickets: R150 General Access and R1 500 for VIP.
Sunday tickets range from R250 and R 3000 for VIP, all from Computicket outlets.
It kicks off from 11am.
For more information visit www.thednd.co.za for other activities taking place such as Golf, local football teams match and weekend passes.