The Green Point Fan Walk will once again come alive with an explosion of colour and entertainment as the 16th edition of the Cape Town Carnival returns on Saturday 21 March.
Over 1 500 performers will showcase their talent under the theme “Follow Your HeART.”
Speaking at the launch of this year’s event held at Nasdak in Cape Town on Thursday 15 January, Prof Rachel Jafta, chair of the Cape Town Carnival Trust, emphasised how the Cape Town Carnival offers job opportunities.
This year, the event will feature 12 “Champions” drawn from the city’s creative community.
Jay Douwes, Cape Town Carnival chief executive officer, said: “The aim of the champions is getting people who are already doing well and are an inspiration and getting their stories told through the sub-themes of the carnival.
“These champions have followed their heart in order to live their passion, and they’ll be providing inspiration as they share their stories.”
Providing additional insight into this year’s theme, Douwes said: “The carnival team do this for the heart. Our organisation is all about heart…We have new floats, new costumes and artists. But what stays the same is that we are celebrating community, culture and creativity.”
Some of the champions include, among others, Anslin Gysman, DJ Ready D, Suidooster star Natasha van der Merwe, graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter, hip-hop artist Bravo le Roux, and designer Stephen van Eeden.
Gysman told People’s Post being selected champion is a “full-circle moment”.
“Cape Town Carnival has been a staple event for us as Capetonians. It is one of those highlights that we look forward to. We get to see the floats and the people that we love and celebrate.
“It is a great thing that we get to experience on our doorstep, and I am so happy to be a part of it. I have always attended as a child. This year is a full-circle moment for me and I am so honoured.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the City is a proud supporter of the event.
“We have so many people in our city and society who live in different bubbles. Events like this provide the opportunity for people to come out of their bubbles and meet on the streets of Cape Town and be exposed to other stories.”
Premier Alan Winde said the event places the Western Cape on the map.
“This is a big economic generator…we are known for events, but those events don’t just happen, they have to keep going throughout the year. The sponsors and the supporters get value out of it.”
Novus media, which publishes People’s Post, is a proud print media sponsor of the event.
