Legends has it that whenever the fest takes over Vhenda (now entering its fifth edition) Kings & Queens, ancestors and humble citizens rejoice because the economy in the area sky rockets’-pre and post the event.
This year’s lineup has been beefed up as organizers are living nothing to detail once again!
Being a Tswana speaking, I culturally enjoy the traditional dance by the young-ones. They bring out the youth in me- yes pun definitely intended.
Taking place in a month we’re celebrating our heritage and tourism (September 10) here is the jawbreaking line up:
Thandiswa Mazwai and Nathi ; celebrated isicathamiya group Shwi No Mtekhala; Kwesta; Nasty C; Riky Rick; DJ Dimplez; VJ Nutty; Prifix; Limpopo’s own DJ Ganyani; Prince Kaybee; Heavy K; DJ Zinhle; DJ Malwela; Alick Macheso; Sfiso Ncwane; Colbert Mukwevho; Benny Mayengani; Rofhiwa; David Mmbi; Kenny Bevhula; Lagugga; Kanakana “Cook”; Zozo; Jones; Lufuno Dagada; Lufuno Buda and a surprise act.
Yes, you might ask which bank did they rob to acquire such a sterling line-up?
Host venue (Royal Gardens) Nandoni Dam- for the uninitiated –is perched by the Luvuvhu River which follows a course along the southern edge of the Zoutpansberg and joins the Limpopo River in the far northern corner of the Kruger National Park on the border between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
At the media launch held at the chic Cocoon last week-Sandton, over 20 000 fans are anticipated according to the organizers.
Peter Mbelengwa from the department of arts & culture says their involvement has to do with rich culture the fest brings; and also its part of the departments’ Mzansi Golden Economy’s strategy to support such initiatives.
The evergreen and vivacious Thandizwa Mazwai, who gave a resounding but short performance got a standing ovation after declaring she would like to collaborate with any Vhenda artist(s) because “their sound and dialect are unique”.
As per culture, a walk with King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, musangwe (a knuckle fist fight mostly practiced in Venda) and a music workshop prior to the main festival will be held following last year’s successful turn-out.
With tourism as one of the cornerstones of the fest, it pains to see the absence of Limpopo Tourism in this international draw card.
Since its inception, Royal Garden Heritage fest mandate is to attract visitors as far as Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland and other internationals. And they’ve managed to pull them in as evident since my attendance of the fest for the past three years’.
Your guess is just good as mine why tourism stakeholders aren’t keen to invest in this economically viable, cultural event.
A pre party will be held at Khoroni Hotel (partner of the fest) on Friday 9.
Tickets are already on sale at Computicket and early-bird specials are available at R150 before August, and thereafter R180 and R200 at the gate.
Yes, expect all kinds of African cuisine on offer as you down it with locally made beer. Amen…
