PHALABORWA: Carnival atmosphere at Marula Festival
“It is important for us to ensure that we continue to instill our people with the rich culture that Limpopo has to offer through music, sightings and tourism..."
A carnival atmosphere prevailed at Phalaborwa’s Impala Park Stadium from Saturday evening to Sunday morning during the 2019 Marula Jazz & Gospel Festival.
According to the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Spokesperson, Zaid Kalla, the stadium was filled to capacity and was the highest attendance ever recorded over the past 14 years.
The brilliant performance by King Monada and Mafikizolo that closed out the festival will be one that will be remembered for many years to come.
Performances by Polokwane Jazz artist, Judith Sephuma and Jonas Gwangwa, Mandla Spikiri, Amon Mokoena, Jeff Maluleke, Jimmy Dludlu, Kamogele and Baldwin K were also a stand out.
Stallholders who served up the many different meals and snack treats were also happy about the overall outcome of the Saturday, Jazz Festival as they maximized in profits.
“Just last week I thought, what have I signed myself up to and then this week everything from sweets to meat and ‘pap’ went amazingly fast and I got so much profit.
Thank you organisers of Marula Jazz Festival for turning everything around from last week,” said one of the stallholders. Kalla, hailed the event a success and thanked everyone who attended the festival.
“It was a great success, to an extent where we had international guests we normally have, and also had guests from Cuba who where visitors of the MEC [Seaparo Sekoati],” said Kalla.
“It was a wonderful evening, and of which was a great success and obviously the highlight was our very own King Monada,” he told HERALD.
“The expectation he brought to the festival and delivering on that expectation was a huge credit to him.
“Everyone enjoyed his performances and every song he sang was a hit.
“Monada closed down the festival according to me, yes Mafikizolo were also outstanding but Monada was amazing,” he added.
Phalaborwa FM afternoon drive host, Abednico Malepe (Kolobe) said the event was a huge success.
Kolobe made of the important role that the Marula Festival has in keeping alive the Marula heritage in Phalaborwa.
“We are the permanent host of the Marula Festival and also have a diverse community in Phalaborwa so we must keep it going,” he said.
“It is important for us to ensure that we continue to instill our people with the rich culture that Limpopo has to offer through music, sightings and tourism.
“We need to continue the festival so we don’t lose our language or culture and it is also important that it continues for the next 150 years,” said the afternoon drive host.
Impala Park was jam-packed and was open from 18:00 – 06:00.
