The Umtiza Arts Festival has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating 10 years of showcasing artistic excellence, cultural heritage and local talent in Buffalo City.
What began as a shared vision between passionate arts advocates, the Guild Theatre, East London Museum and Ann Bryant Art Gallery has grown into one of the Eastern Cape’s most recognised annual cultural events.
Umtiza Arts Festival committee member Rentia Ellis said on Tuesday that reaching the decade mark was a significant achievement that reflected the unwavering support of the local community.
“It means a great deal. Reaching 10 years is something we’re incredibly proud of because festivals don’t survive for a decade without the support of a community,” Ellis said.
“The Umtiza Arts Festival started as a vision shared by regular people passionate about the arts in all its forms and cultural heritage, and to see it grow into a recognised annual event is rewarding.”
According to Ellis, the festival has become an important platform for local artists, sending a strong message that arts and culture have a valued place in Buffalo City and across the province.
“Local talent deserves a platform alongside established artists,” she said.
One of the festival’s successes has been creating opportunities for emerging artists to perform and exhibit alongside nationally recognised names such as the Jaziel Brothers and Lwah Ndlunkulu during the closing show on Sunday.
This year’s programme featured local artists including Sasa Mamzangwa Jobodwana, Slujah, Luthando Mzi and Jade Impey, who shared the spotlight with the acclaimed performers.
Popular TruFM radio personality Slujah did a remarkable job as master of ceremonies, entertaining audiences with his comic antics and musical abilities, keeping the crowd in stitches throughout the evening.
KuGompo-born singer Sasa Mamzangwa Jobodwana, whose music is deeply influenced by tradition and culture, welcomed guests and introduced two artists before delivering a performance that earned her a standing ovation.
Audience members called her back to the stage after her set had ended, highlighting the impact of her performance.
Ellis said: “Young performers get exposure, they build confidence, they make connections, and audiences get to discover talent that exists in our province.”
The festival’s diverse programme, spanning music, theatre, visual arts, literature and heritage, has helped enrich the region’s cultural landscape while creating meaningful opportunities for artists and young creatives.
Among this year’s highlights was award-winning performer Daniel Anderson opening the festival with his acclaimed production The Tramp, while singer Bongeziwe Mabandla delivered a memorable performance for East London audiences.
The Devo Chamber Orchestra concerts drew strong support, while the theatre programme captivated audiences of all ages.
Ellis singled out the Jen Bryson Moorcroft Theatre production Thabo the Space Dude as a standout success, with hundreds of children attending performances and enthusiastically engaging with the show.
“The Family Market Festival at the Museum and Guild Theatre precinct created a fantastic atmosphere, with families spending the day enjoying markets, theatre, music and museum activities,” she said. Another favourite was the cabaret production Brenda and I, which left a lasting impression on festivalgoers.
