Celebrating African unity
JOBURG - To commemorate Africa month this May, Joburg Theatre presented a weekend of Africa Day celebrations featuring local and international artists which was lead by Ringo Madlingozi on the Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre on 22 and 23 May.
The event featured local and international artists who were led by award-winning South African artists Ringo Madlingozi and Lira on the Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre.
In performances which promoted the spirit of unity and love among Africans, some of the continent’s top musicians celebrated Africa’s achievements through song and dance. The line-up included Lura from Cape Verde, Femi Koya from Nigeria and Ghanaian acclaimed fusion of African tribal artist, Abena Koomson.
The director of the event, Natalia Molebatsi said, “The show is a trip which doesn’t need a seat belt. Everybody must be free as we celebrate African unity.”
The energetic Lura, who grew up in Portugal, said she was happy to be back in Africa.
“I am proud to be an African. Africa is the beginning of everything,” she said.
Although the audience gave a warm reception to the continent’s other artists, the biggest applause came when the legendary Madlingozi appeared on stage.
Zodwa Ndzamba, who was part of the audience said, “I love him, I can feel his music inside, he just drives me crazy.”
Africa Day is celebrated annually on 25 May to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, the forerunner to the African Union.
The day serves to acknowledge the progress the continent has made in the development of its people, and reflects on the challenges that confront its member states on the global stage.
This special weekend showcased the richness of the continent’s rhythms, dance and song, said theatre spokesperson Collette Dawson.
