The Art of Legends was launched with a week-long exhibition of the artworks of Dr Esther Mahlangu and the photographs of the late photographer, Sam Nzima, respectively.
The exhibition is held at Riverside and i’langa malls.
The exhibition will be followed by Night of Legends at Emnotweni Arena, in which the Mpumalanga provincial government will honour Nzima (posthumously), Nothembi Mkhwebane, Ray Phiri (posthumously), Dr Mahlangu and Masibuyele KuJehova.
“The Art of Legends is about celebrating and honouring these artists who have put the province on the map and also made their marks in their respective fields over the years,” explained the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation’s Sibongile Nkosi.
The Night of Legends will see Princess Indlovukazi and Karabo Mogane showcasing to the country that the province’s musical future is in good hands.
Nkosi added that this occasion will celebrate local people and it will be used to inspire the youth to go after their dreams so they can emulate these industry giants.
Nzima and Phiri may no longer be with us, but their works continue to inspire people the world over.
It will conclude with a picnic concert at the Nelspruit Botanical Gardens on Saturday and it will feature Caiphus Semenya, Tshepo Tshola, Mbongeni Ngema, Stimela and Nothembi Mkhwebane.
Entrance is R175 at Computicket and gates open at 12:00.
Six Mpumalanga artists, Blu Lamp, The Buddiez, Somkhathi, Good News, Somakhawula Kameelrivier Boys, Intombi Zejamo and Chilla Flames will collaborate with Tshepo Tshola, Stimela and Nothembi Mkhwebane.
The collaborations will see local artists share the stage with the legends.
Stimela will collaborate with Blu Lamp, The Buddiez and Somkhathi. Nothembi Mkhwebane will collaborate with Good News and Somakhawula Kameelrivier Boys.
Tshepo Tshola will collaborate with Intombi Zejamo and Chilla Flames.