The 18th annual Mangaung African Cultural Festival returns once again and has power house musicians in their ‘to die for ‘line-up, scheduled for Bloemfontein and other neighbouring regions.
The two week long camaraderie begins from October 2 to 11 (my birthday month), were the public of Free State will be fed with music, poetry, sport, cultural dances and workshops, whose theme is “Ha le ja lempitse” loosely translated call me when you eat.
For some it is the time to eke out a decent income; whereas for others will be fun and exchanging pleasantries.
First reason, why the fest is internationally renowned is as result of Tamia (USA); Dave Koz (USA), Mafikizolo; The Soil; Legendary couple – Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbuli; Tshepo Tshola; Jaziel Brothers); Flavour (Nigeria); Unathi and Free State’s crème de la crème – Bonolo; Tsoakae; Peter Nthoane and Allay Yen. It goes down on the 10th at Rose Gardens.
It will be followed by the battle between current PSL champs AmaKhosi who face ‘Sewelele Sa Masele’ on Sunday for the Macufe Cup at FS Stadium. Celtic’s are the current defenders of the silverware. That’s my final reason.
However, preceding all that is another packed jamboree of shows starting with Tshepe Hip Hop, a youth targeted battle of DJ’s; Miss Free State pageant; Gospel crème de la creme such as S’fiso Ncwane; Benjamin Dube; Connie Lamola; Teboho; Tshepiso; Kgosi; Israel Mosehle; Mike; Bakamela; Keorapetse; Nkosi Dumako; Umsingizane, Thoko; Pulse of Joy; Lejweleputswa Gospel Choir, and Sechaba; the Indoor Jazz; Divas Concert featuring American R & B songstress Tamia, Lira, Maleh and Bucie at the Dome.
The All White Party -Macufe Urban Youth Festival- features Black Coffee; Ricky Rick, Sphectacular & Naves; Naked DJ; Mo Flava; Lootlove; Finzo; Shaxe; Major League and VJ Nutty.
Yes, with a sucker punch line-up logistics for accommodation becomes a nightmare particularly if, you haven’t made any prior arrangements.
For the past year’s fully booked signs have been a sore-eye for many (including yours truly), thanks to our SADC S states patriots who come in large numbers to grace and spend their hard earned cash in to the province pre and post the fest.
Yes, it would make economical sense to be privy to information on how much rand value has been contributed in the coffers, but if only…
FS MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mathabo Leeto, wished all music and arts lovers from the Free State, other provinces and outside the borders of our country, an enjoyable and memorable festival.
Motsweding FM’s legendary football commentator Cebo Manyaapelo at this time of the year always preaches that “Mangaung ke ko sebe sejewang ka thabo le nyakallo“. It has no direct translation, unless if you wanna ruffle the feathers! Amen…
A Shosholoza Meyl train is also available for bookings on shosholozameyl.co.za
Revelers and tourists are advised to visit www.macufe.co.za for dates, venues, performances and tickets prices for all shows by visiting Computicket outlets.
