The month of April is a significant month in South Africa as it brings the remembrance of its first democratic election back in 1994. With it, brings the exciting buzz of ‘freedom’ in the country, and what better way to show true liberation than by reflecting and witnessing the country’s cultural scene during the month of April:
The Soweto Art and Craft Fair
The Soweto Art and Craft Fair began the month on a high note at the Soweto Theatre on April 06 by creating a platform for the youth to showcase their talent and businesses. This event has become one of the premium live music venues, attracting some of South Africa’s best talents, as well as discovering new talent. Make sure to set an early reminder for 2020 if you missed it this year.
The weekend and currently ongoing
The weekend of April 12 to the 14th is filled with amazing events not to be missed. The 2019 African Fashion International (AFI) Cape Town Fashion week has been well underway at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre. This prestigious event which sees the attendance of global fashion influencers kicked off on the 11th of the month and will draw to an end on Saturday the 13th.
Asphelelanga hit-maker Vusi Nova and Ntsika (The Soil) will take centre stage at Afro-Soul’s unplugged sessions where they will be joined by Danish female group, The Baobab Sisters tonight at the Joburg Theatre. On the 13th, The Supa Mega (AKA) will be completing the last of his tour, Megacy Over Everything at the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg. The 13th and 14th will also see the highly anticipated tour: The Thrill of It All by multi Grammy award winner, Sam Smith. The star is making a stop in South Africa, as announced, and will be performing hits for his fans at the Johannesburg Ticketpro Dome, while finishing off at Cape Town’s Grand Arena on the 16 and 17 of April.
A Black Aesthetic
This significant event is an exhibition of a collection of works by Black South African modernist artists, and was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 1998. It is being held at Johannesburg’s Standard Bank Gallery and is currently running until the 18th. Do check it out of you are around the city.
Shades of The Mirror
Lagos-born Painter, Solomon Omogboye is currently exhibiting his artworks titled Shades of the Mirror, which portrays the essence of Africa through the art of colour and canvas. It is presently taking place at Cape Town’s Art in the Yard and will be running till May 02. It is open to the public.
Back to The City
Freedom Day is set to showcase true liberation as the city of Johannesburg hosts South Africa’s biggest annual hip hop gathering, ‘Back to The city’ which will be happening at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on April 27. Featuring big names in the industry such as Stogie T, Ricky Rick and Casper nyovest and more. This is definitely where you will want to be on Freedom Day
AfrikaBurn Festival
The Festival is an event which involves the creation of contemporary artworks, in which some are later ‘burned’ as a form of creative expression by participants. It will be held in the town of Tankwa, Karoo, which is a semi-desert in South Africa and it is successfully going on its 12th year. This year’s theme is ‘Ephemerality’, so if you are planning on attending this exciting event, do look up the word and familiarise yourself with the concept of the theme in place. The festival will wrap up the month of April with creative expressions of Art, theme camps, costume, music as well as performances. Sound exciting? If so, make your way to Tankwa on April 29 till May 05.
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
