Great line-up for Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience

The MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, unpacked what the event entails last Thursday during a media launch held at Emnotweni.

This year’s event is themed “Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability, respecting one another’s cultural differences and development”.

Ntshalintshali said this will foster social cohesion and nation-building.

“We need to acknowledge cultural diversity and heritage, and promote unity by affirming and conserving people’s way of life, while establishing culture as an economic investment,” she said.
She added that the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience continues to be popular for its impact in arts, performances and social cohesion.

Revelers can expect entertainment galore from November 22, including the Comedy Xperience at Emnotweni, the Carnival Xperience on November 29 at the Promenade Centre, the Kasi Xperience at the Ebukhosini Resort in Nkomazi on November 29, the Music Xperience at Mbombela Stadium on November 30, the Traditional Xperience at the Esigodlweni kaHhoyi and the Soul Session and Bubbly Lifestyle Xperience at the botanical gardens in Mbombela on December 1.

It will be concluded by the Gospel Music Awards Xperience taking place on December 8 at the Communio Auditorium in Mbombela.

The line-up of artists is a good mix of local and national artists.

The artists include  the likes of Karabo Mogane, Mduduzi Ntuli, Kwesta, AKA, Donovan Goliath, Cassper Nyovest, Salesman, DJ Zoe, Samthing Soweto, DJ Chrizozo, Simphiwe Shembe, DJ Shlabane, Wilson B Nkosi, Shisa Boy, Sentle, Diphakwe Cultural Group, Makhalisa, Ngcozi Yebo, DJ Sergio, Smallz and Gedlembane, Abuti Lolo, Thenjiwe, Unkle Mdu, Madumane, Passion Master, DJ Trevor Dee.

Also part of the line-up are Masizakhe Cultural Group, Khoi-San Cultural Group, Mathews Bhoza, Musa Tsietsi Matlakala, Stimela, Afrotraction, Chesa Band, Kedebone Mkhabela, Princess Indlovukazi, Sweet Mike, Hard Bowl & Entertainment, DJ Lamsiwas, Reshen, Lil da Kid, DJ Prencess, Theresa Jacobs, Sai Natraj Indian Dance, Boki Maqumbana and Amatshatangubo.
“With the above line-up, we’re definitely sure that they will further uplift the rising standards that we’ve have accrued over the past three years. Definitely, the fourth edition will be better and the best. One word of caution though: Revellers must be prepared to boogie along, to be compatible with a particular event’s theme and dress the part; hence, I’ll be there to showcase my styles for each event.”

“What’s of paramount importance here is that the people must enjoy, unite and enjoy the hospitality of the province to the best of their abilities. Outsiders from other provinces and neighbouring countries should leave with a wonderful experience so that come next year, they will return in numbers,” said Ntshalintshali.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s executive manager of tourism, Xolani Mthethwa, said, “I hope the invitation to attend these events will be accompanied by tour packages in between events. These are vital to keep patrons busy and occupied throughout the events. They’ll be saved from boredom and temptation to go back home.

“In a nutshell, this is an opportunity to promote domestic tourism in reality. Have fun and dance the night away, while in the morning you relax with your partner and family at our tourist attractions and leave with an unforgettable experience,” concluded Mthethwa.

Meanwhile, on Friday the Gospel Music Awards Xperience will be holding a nominations ceremony at the Emnotweni Arena, which will kick-start the public voting process. Watch this space, as next week we will be announcing all the nominees.