Fiëstas: A glamorous celebration of South African arts

The Fiëstas panel attended every debut production at seven major arts festivals in 2024, namely KKNK, Suidoosterfees, Innibos, Vrystaat Kunstefees, Klein-Karoo Klassique, Aardklop, and Stellenbosch Woordfees.

Following a thorough audited voting process, the winners in fourteen categories were determined and announced this week at a glittering awards ceremony at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town.

A new era for the Fiëstas

kykNET also revealed a major shift for the kykNET Fiëstas going forward. After 15 years of management by kykNET, the Tribuo Trust will now coordinate the Fiëstas, with kykNET continuing as the naming sponsor.

“The decision was made to ensure that the kykNET Fiëstas can continue and flourish as a vibrant celebration of the arts in Afrikaans. kykNET remains the main sponsor and naming sponsor of the Fiëstas,” said Waldimar Pelser, M-Net Channel Director of Premium Channels.

“In discussions with the festival directors, kykNET emphasised that it will strengthen its support for the arts festivals in a way that we hope will also make them more sustainable. We look forward to reimagining the new kykNET Fiëstas together with Tribuo and are excited about the road ahead.”

Tribuo’s commitment to the arts

Executive Chairperson of Tribuo, Karen Meiring, added, “It’s important to invest in the future and sustainability of the entertainment industry. The kykNET Fiëstas seamlessly align with this goal as the awards recognize and celebrate excellent work.

“They also encourage crucial audience engagement and honor the people who carry the performing and creative arts. Tribuo looks forward to continuing this project together with kykNET, who remains the naming sponsor.”

Winners of the kykNET Fiëstas 2024

• Best achievement in classical music
  Die groot finale (Momentum Beleggings Aardklop)
  
• Best contemporary music production
  kykNET-konsert (Innibos)
  
• Best music-driven theatre
  Ontban (Suidoosterfees)
  
• Best adaptation or translation of a text
  Naòmi Morgan – Ons wag vir Godot (Vrystaat Kunstefees)
  
• Best new text
  Philip Rademeyer – Stinkhout (Aardklop)
  
• Best achievement in visual arts
  Marlene Steyn – Between my i’s: tussen my oë (Stellenbosch Woordfees)
  
• Best achievement in design
  Rocco Pool – Hedda Gabler (Stellenbosch Woordfees)
  
• Best actor in a supporting role
  Gerben Kamper – Ons wag vir Godot (Vrystaat Kunstefees)
  
• Best direction
  Dion van Niekerk – Ons wag vir Godot (Vrystaat Kunstefees)
  
• Best upcoming artist
  Joshwin Dyson – Laaitie mettie biscuits (Aardklop)
  
• Best ensemble
  Hedda Gabler (Stellenbosch Woordfees)
  
• Best actor
  Joshwin Dyson – Laaitie mettie biscuits (Aardklop)
  
• Best actress
  Rolanda Marais – Hedda Gabler (Stellenbosch Woordfees)
  
• Best festival production
  Hedda Gabler (Stellenbosch Woordfees)

Special awards

• Blou Fiësta
  The Suidoosterfees project 21 received the Blou Fiësta, awarded for commendable work that does not fall into the other categories. In celebration of the festival’s 21st anniversary, 21 productions were staged, each lasting 21 minutes with a ticket price of R21.
  
• Lifetime achievement awards
  Amanda Strydom and Frank Opperman were honored for their outstanding contributions to the arts. Amanda’s commendation was delivered by Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck, and Frank’s by Dana Snyman.

Star-studded ceremony

Kabous Meiring hosted the ceremony at Kirstenbosch. The presenters included Cornelia Faasen, Veronique Jephtas, Gideon Lombard, René Cloete, Nicole Holm, Joanie Combrink, Carel Nel, and Waldimar Pelser.

Bright future for the Fiëstas

As kykNET transitions the Fiëstas into the hands of the Tribuo Trust, kykNET and Tribuo are excited about the future. The collaboration aims to strengthen the impact of the Fiëstas and continue honoring the vibrant and diverse South African arts scene.

The 2024 kykNET Fiëstas Awards were a testament to the excellence and creativity within the South African arts industry and set the stage for a new era of growth and recognition.

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