The beauty and power of diverse African languages will be showcased during a poetry festival scheduled to place on Saturday (29/07) at the Bloemfontein Civic Theatre. Where words fail, music will speak as there will be live performances by musicians to stimulate the mind, and creativity on showcase to convey the message about the rich culture and heritage of Africa.
The event, titled the Azania Cultural & Heritage Praise Poetry Festival, will feature nine praise poets representing nine tribes, each performing in their respective African home languages.
The languages are Sesotho, Setswana, Ndebele, Venda, Isiswati, IsiZulu, isiXhosa, and Sepedi as well as Xitsonga.
The one-day occasion is a partnership between the national department of sport, art and culture, and the Mighty Greener Pastures General.
“These poets will narrate about the history of their native kings, cultural historic sites, their battles from the beginning till the end, their linage, their roles, and responsibilities. The Azania poetry festival project is endowed with a rich artistic and cultural diversity which is geographically dispersed,” says Mzwakhe Khachela, festival director.
He says each poet will perform on stage for 30 minutes, narrating in their unique home language. In addition, guests knowledgeable about heritage, tradition and culture will present lectures focusing on the rich and diverse African heritage. The festival will also be graced by different cultural dance groups from different parts of the country.
“The festival seeks to achieve prosperity, creative celebration, nation building, and social cohesion through arts and culture, and to provide a world class services in arts and culture for all people, and raise the profile of South Africa as a destination for tourism, by developing, informing, educating, and preserving our African culture,” says Khachela.
Acts billed to perform are Jessica Mpangeni, Ntate Katiba, MC Fire, Sekhobo wa Moshe, Motlatsi Tsoafo, Phephela, Bongiwe Thudezwa, and Palesa Mapota. Tickets cost R50 per person. The event will be from 12:00 until 18:00.
Crafters, fashion designers, and traditional food chefs are invited to participate. Stalls are available for booking. For bookings, call Glady Moloi on 082 062 4328.
