Yes, all roads will as from next week head to the City of 
Roses– as Mangaung is known- to unearth those roses- for 21st Macufe fest preparations.
The week-long Mangaung African Cultural Festival that runs from October 5 to 14, features local and international stars, comedy, Gospel, Tshepe a youth concert originally from Lesotho, and much loved soccer clash between Kaizer Chief vs Bloemforntein Celtic.
The official launch took place at Naval Hill, Bloemfontein this morning, that was broadcast live on SABC 2 Morning Live.
Already confirmed US Brandy and Joe Thomas will share the stage with top SA stars Nasty C, Nadia Nakai, A-reece, Lebo Sekgobela, Benjamin Dube, Marc Lottering, Tiwa Savage, Skhumba, Mpho Popps, Kelly Khumalo, Zonke, Amanda Black, Vusa Nova, Oliver Mtukudzi, Prince Kaybee and Shekinah.
Macufe festival director Mario Sefo said, ‘we’re excited to welcome Brandy to our shores. It affords us the opportunity to put South Africa’s best side by side with the worlds best to reaffirm how world-class our local talent is.
Macufe first and foremost is about celebrating arts and culture originating in Mangaung and giving these skilled individuals working in performance spaces a major platform to showcase their talents.’
Although unconfirmed on financial spin-offs, the fest both pre and post contributes millions into the coffers of the City, thus creates job opportunities and skills development for youth’s in the province of Free State. Formal and informal traders also benefit greatly.
Officially launched in 1997 by the Free State Provincial Government, whose purpose is to showcase the best African and international talent. It draws thousands of tourists from all walks of life who descend in the province pre and post the fest, to celebrate this years’ theme ‘kao fela re moo’ (we’re all here).
Rest eternally in Peace Mokgwatlheng…
Macufe event calendar:
05-Oct: Macufe Tshepe vs NewWave 2018
07-Oct: Macufe Gospel 2018
09-Oct: Macufe Comedy 2018
11-Oct: Macufe Indoor Jazz 2018
12-Oct: Macufe Divas 2018
13 Oct: Macufe Main Festival 2018
14 Oct: Macufe Cup
Tickets for various shows are now on sale at Computicket outlets countywide.
