THE Ebubeleni Festival, a leading brand in the South African live performing arts scene, has vowed to continue delivering world-class live entertainment, despite the challenges this industry currently faces.
The signature lifestyle-driven event occupies a special place in the social life of thousands of cultural tourists from far and near in the host city of Nelson Mandela Bay.
Amid the COVID-19 epidemic, Ebubeleni producers have continued to cater for the needs of the ever-growing and loyal followers of the event. The longest-running festival in Nelson Mandela Bay unfolds in a form that complies with COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
In keeping with the reputation for pushing the envelope and delivering new levels of entertainment, Ebubeleni Music Festival producers present a first in 2020.
Recorded on November 26 and 27, at the Boardwalk Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth, The Ebubeleni Festival – A Virtual Extravaganza has the television viewer in mind.
It was packaged for a presentation that feels real and live.
“From the onset, the objective was to create an interactive platform to engage and entertain our patrons with a dance and music TV show. It is similar to an awards ceremony without the award element – the first of its kind,” said Ebubeleni Festival director, Marc Mahambehlala.
He went on to add, “Also, the creative industries have been hit hard by the sudden emergence of COVID-19. So, the other intention was to contribute to the creation of much-needed employment and income generating opportunities for artists based in Nelson Mandela Bay, national artists, sound, stage, and creative production workers.
“As you can imagine, there are many expenses involved in managing this calibre of an event and we give thanks to our sponsors for the continued support over the years. Without the support of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape Tourism and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, we would not be able to make this event a reality,” concluded Mahambehlala.
Lee-Che Janecke, the current Idols SA choreographer, was tasked with holding dance auditions in October. He selected 15 dancers from Nelson Mandela Bay that formed a group he finely put through their paces. The troupe was so much in sync with the music that they became the highlight of the show.
There were outstanding performances given in their sets with top stars such as Mafikizolo, Amanda Black and Vusi Nova. All the lead artists were backed by a fantastic band comprising Nelson Mandela Bay’s top instrumentalists and vocalists.
Musical director, Edgar Muzah, selected and marshalled the band. The inclusion of award-winning guitarist, Lawrence Matshiza, who relocated back home to Port Elizabeth a few years ago, completed the band.
Muzah was also in charge of the direction and flavour of the repertoire of the extravaganza.
A limited number of guests observed social distancing at the recording, which had its success characterised by the smooth running of the programme.
Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung hosted the show, which included performances and collaborations by Mapara A Jazz (of John Vuli Gate fame), Nomcebo Zikode, Kamo Mphela, Black Diamond and Ami Faku. Viewers can also look forward to seeing Yanga Chief, Dee Koala, Sleeze, Moonchild Sanelly, Poetic Soul, Zain SA, SOA Mattrix and Soulful G.
The Ebubeleni Festival – A Virtual Extravaganza – is scheduled to be broadcast at 20:00 on December 30 on Channel O.
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