It is going to be a day of praise, worship and dance as gospel meets jazz at the Divas International Fest next month.
This explosion of groovy fine tunes is set to take over Moretele Park in Mamelodi on April 30 and boasts an impressive line-up of the country’s premier female talent.
The fest is also about fighting social ills and to have a just society, especially during Freedom Month.
Promoter Morris Roda of MRP EVENTS is delighted with the preparations.
“Imagine a stage where some of the greatest names in music come together for a day and take us down the road of nostalgia and bring us back to today’s sounds. Imagine redefining the music landscape and rewriting the rules. This one is for the history books,” he said.
The Fest has a strong social conscience that will deliver a message of unity against alcohol and substance abuse. It will also encourage people to not drink and drive especially at this time of Easter.
On the bill are veteran musical couple Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya. There will also be legends Dorothy Masuka, Abigail Kubheka, Mahotella Queens, Afro-pop giants Mafikizolo.
Gospel stalwarts Rebecca Malope, Lebo Sekgobela, Deborah Fraser; Afro-soul divas Simphiwe Dana and Zahara; jazz ensemble Basadi Women of Jazz and current sensations Amanda Black and Babes Wodumo will also entertain the revellers.
Miriam Makeba’s granddaughter Zenzi and the Makeba Band will complete the awesome line-up.
“The Divas Fest celebrate women artists exclusively and it’s the only event in the country and the world that empowers women. Not only is the list of performers dominated by women, but only companies led by women will work on the event from staging, security and catering to public relations and stage management,” said Roda.
“We can’t have our sisters and mothers abused every day and allow this to become normal, we shall use the arts in the same way we defeated apartheid.”
This edutainment initiative is brought by City of Tshwane, Gauteng Gambling Board, Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation. Proceeds will benefit projects for the girl child.