VIBRANT, Venda culture- lets be honest- mzansi life just simply better when surrounded by nature!
As we continue to celebrate both tourism and culture in September, thousands of visitors are expected to descend in Venda this weekend for the 9th edition of the annual Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage Festival, at the Nandoni Dam on Saturday 16.
Revellers will be drawn from all corners of mzansi, including SADC, over three-days at one of the hottest regions in the country.
Venda or Tswetla as it was known in the past, has a rich history on its own- is celebrated as land of legends.
#AhunaUsala– as the marketing tag for the fest refers- will see over 40 artists, musicians and DJs doing what they know best.
Draw cards include the likes of Dr Colbert Mukwevho, Young Stunna, Musa Keys, Boohle, Murumba Pitch, Nadia Nakai, Pleasure Tsa Manyalo, Makhadzi, Busta 929, Mac G, Lulo Cafe, Miss P, Sol, Rud Kid Venda, DJ Nipro, Dr Gee, Cyria the Community, Leonard Zhakata (Zimbabwe), Mark Ngwazi (Zimbabwe), Mr Bow (Mozambique), form part the line-up.
But what would the fest be without the ‘Queen of Limpopo’ Makhadzi, that would be injustice, as she’s expected to share the stage with another draw- cards Big Zulu and Matshikos, amongst others. Over 35 000 patrons are expected to attend.
Since dance holds an important place in Venda culture, and from an early age, children learn dance, drumming and making of musical instruments. These dances are malende, tshikona and matangwa.
There’s also a dance called tshigombela, performed by women, which carries messages of what is happening in the communities.
Shumela Venda– ‘always aspire for Venda’ as tourists and revellers will dance and get merry over traditional beers and traditional food.
Albeit unconfirmed by Limpopo Tourism Agency, millions are expected to be generated into the fiscus of the province through bookings of lodges, hotels and B&Bs, and creating both direct and indirect jobs for SMMEs, pre and post the fest.
So, tourists expect the scenic terrain, wildlife and the friendly people that are the main draw card of visiting Venda. Areas such as Mukhase, with its mountain streams and abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants and springboks, are popular attractions.
Limited tickets are still available atR230 from ticketpro.
Top image (Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, known by her stage name Makhadzi, will rattle at the ‘cage’ and stomp like a ‘demon possessed’ at this weekend’s Royal Heritage fest in Venda).
