Local musician part of Festival of Lights line-up

Joburg Theatre in association with the City of Johannesburg entities, Joburg City Parks and Zoo and City Power will host the third annual Joburg Festival of Lights this festive season.

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This year’s festival will also host former Primrose High School learner and Thembisa-born musician pianist, music arranger, sound engineer and producer Bongi Mthombeni.

The festival features an enchanting collection of illuminated life-size animal characters and classical, harmonious entertainment, food and craft night market for visitors to the Joburg Zoo.

The festival will be launched on November 25 and will be open from 18:00 to 22:00 daily except on Mondays.
Patrons will enjoy a walk in the zoo on a designated lit route away from the animals under trees decorated in enchanting lights.

The Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights offers patrons of all ages entertainment and a perfect night out in the zoo.

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This year’s entertainment line-up is set to enchant, enthral and leave an everlasting impression on festival-goers with the theatre bringing back firm favourites, such as Joburg Ballet’s Nutcracker, Bongi Mthombeni, and introducing dynamic fresh talent Biko’s Manna, a highly gifted sibling band, Soulphiatown, a duo popular for epitomising African Pop in its purest form, and the award-winning vocalist Brenda Mtambo.

Festival-goers will have an opportunity to indulge in an array of delicacies that can be purchased from the vendor stalls that will be operating for the duration of the festival.

“We are excited to be able to deliver another instalment of the festival together with our partners. Patrons are assured of enchanting festive lights, great entertainment, diverse market stalls where they can indulge in delicious delights to further enhance their experience at the festival this year,” said Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, chief executive officer of Joburg City Theatres.

Kicking off the festival calendar and ending November on a glowing high are performances from the Joburg Ballet’s Nutcracker, which is a well-loved classic, who will first be joined by the young and talented sibling band Biko’s Manna from November 26 to 28 and later joined by Soulphiatown until December 5.

From December 7 to 12, audiences will enjoy contemporary dance from Art of Dance, a truly unmissable experience for lovers of all things dance.

Sharing the same stage during this week is the talented singer, songwriter Xoli B, whose magical performance is an enthralling and healing experience.

From December 14 to 19, Tribhanghi Dance Company will transport audiences into a world of rich culture fusion through dance.

The dance company whose work seeks to reflect a profound sensitivity, respect, understanding and knowledge of the cultures through dance also boasts a repertoire that includes African, Indian, contemporary and Afro-fusion.

Sharing the stage with them is Shef and the kitchen delivering an incredible performance. This live performing international Afro Jazz Funk band is a must watch as it delivers its original lyrics in Isizulu, Xitsonga and English.

This year’s programme also ushers in the Christmas spirit with carols delivered by the Sempre Opera and Mzansi Youth Choir during Christmas week from December 21 to 26, except for Christmas day.

Brenda Mtambo and Bongi Mthombeni will conclude the Festival of Lights calendar on a musical high from December 28 to January 2.

Patrons are encouraged to take their camping chairs and picnic blankets to relax as they listen and enjoy entertainment under Joburg’s starry night sky.

The festival will adhere to the level one lockdown protocols and patrons are urged to observe them.

Tickets are available at www.joburgtheatre.com

Local stars
Bongi Mthombeni’s passion for music started at a very young age and he always participated in his school’s talent shows and was determined to excel in every performance, whether it was with drama, music or even addressing the school.

When he was in Grade Two, he taught himself piano by watching his brother play at church.

After every service, he would ask his brother to take the keyboard home so he could practice.

Bongi started to play the school anthem and other hymns during assembly in Grade Six and years later, he and a friend started a mini school choir.

Bongi became the choir conductor. He was Primrose High School’s school spirit for three years and was the head cheerleader in matric.

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