The Africa Unite Cultural International Festival has been in the works since the beginning of the year, and will finally be showcased on Saturday, September 30 at East London Police Park Stadium.
The annual event has grown from just being a response to the 2015 xenophobic attacks into a celebration of African unity.
Produced by C-Tone Productions, the music festival will feature prominent members of the South African entertainment industry such as Nathi Mankayi, Sjava, Amanda Black, Lloyiso, Betusile Mcinga, Lusanda Mbane and Amaza, amongst many others.
While the objective is to entertain the masses, the Africa Unite initiative aims to use this platform to advocate for unity among individuals from all the different parts of Africa.
According to Sinethemba Gayiza, media manager of the festival, this is the first time the festival will be taking place indoors, as a result of the success of previous years.
“Our previous events were indoors and enjoyed tremendous support. This support has driven the festival to expand beyond its comfort zone and relocation to a larger space, the Police Park Stadium. The lineup this year will include an exhibition soccer match, followed by the musical talents of the crowd favourites,” said Gayiza.
Luzuko Khohli of C-Tone Productions, says the initiative aims to address violence against foreign nationals in the Buffalo City Metro, by utilizing entertainment, and the arts to bring Africans together.
“We cannot ignore the challenges posed by undocumented and illegal immigrants on our public infrastructure, but we must also acknowledge that we are all one people. In these challenging times, the call for harmony and integration becomes paramount while celebrating our shared African identity. We invite all music enthusiasts to embrace African heritage, as we close out Heritage Month with song and dance at Police Park,” said Khohli.
The festival has always had big names attached to it since the very beginning. In 2015, C-Tone productions recorded a song called Africa Unite and featured renown artists such as Sliq-Angel, Dumza Maswana, Mobi-Dixon, the late Malibongwe Gcwabe and Nigerian artists Manizz.
Afro-soul singer, Zuko Kupiso, popularly known as Zuko SA, is one of the performers who will be gracing the Africa Unite stage
“I am looking forward to being a part of this initiative. It is a chance for us to celebrate different cultures and celebrate each other. It is a platform that offers all artists to meet in one space and enjoy each others cultures. I will be performing music from my upcoming album, specifically a single called ‘Mkhonto’ and I look forward to it,” said Kupiso.
This year’s event has been supported by the National Arts Council, the Presidential Employment Stimulus Program and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Tickets for the event are available at WebTickets, Pick n Pay, and Boxer at R200 for general admission, R750 for VIP tickets, as well as R100 for collerboxes. Local vendors will offer food and crafts at the venue.
