Solomon Linda commemorated on Heritage Day
This year's Heritage Day was celebrated in honour of the legendary Solomon Linda and indigenous music.
In a ground-breaking move, the MEC for culture, sports and recreation, Thandi Shongwe, has officially honoured the iconic producer and songwriter, Solomon Linda, the composer of “Mbube”, prominent across the globe, during a provincial Heritage Day celebration on Saturday September 24 in Mgobodzi Community Hall.
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This year’s Heritage Day celebration was observed under the theme “Celebrating the legacy of Solomon Linda and South Africa’s indigenous music.”
“Today we are celebrating this iconic artist for his contribution to culture and music. This legend played a pivotal role in building the nation and bringing people together through music. This serves as a reminder to all that ‘Mbube’ has put this country on the map and reached all corners of the world. It is important to celebrate culture and heritage through dances and music, because it contributes towards sports and social cohesion immensely, which brings harmony among people,” said Shongwe.
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She said this year’s Heritage Month’s celebrations are key, because they seek to promote the country’s diverse cultures and music.
“The theme serves as a reminder of the significance of South Africa’s native music, particularly Isicathamiya, which was crucial throughout the times of struggle. Indigenous music educates about the cultures of those who came before us and has the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and shape our reality.”
Shongwe said the provincial government chose to celebrate in Mgobodzi because of its wealth of various cultures.
“This place is where tradition and culture are found, which is why we are here today. We chose this area for the event because the locals still value and are anchored in their culture, and they are aware of the strength of tradition and culture. Therefore, it is crucial to remind people that Heritage Day helps people connect to their roots and uphold the value of cultural diversity,” she said.
