Arts Festival holds big reward for local artists
A local poet is up for an award at this year's Mapungubwe Awards
LIMPOPO – Arts MEC, Onicca Moloi, said the Mapungubwe Arts Festival is the flagship project of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. She said it started as a Melting Pot Festival so called because it aimed to attract people from all walks of life to come together in one big melting pot of cultures and traditions to celebrate arts, culture, and heritage together.
“The main aim is to foster social cohesion and nation building as well as showcase the best of South Africa’s and Limpopo’s artists. This 13th festival includes various fun activities such as a marathon, golf challenge, cultural pageant, biker rally, cultural carnival, Mapungubwe theatre, comedy night, and a bush braai among others.
“Limpopo is unique when compared to the other provinces due to its variety of cultures and traditions. The province is well-known for its warm, peaceful atmosphere which heartily welcomes visitors and is indisposable to our residents.
She said revellers can once again expect an excellent line-up, big screens that will accommodate everyone in seeing the artists on stage and the wonderful ambiance which is synonymous with the Mapungubwe Arts Festival.
Well-known poet from Thohoyandou, Ofhani Owen Muebi, is in the running for a Mapungubwe Award in the category Best Theatre Artist.
Muebi says he is honoured to be nominated with greats such as Sello Maake KaNcube, and Mahuma Paul Rapetsoa.
“I appeal to my fans to vote for me to win the award by sending an SMS with the number 06 and my name to 45901. SMSs cost R1,50 each and people can vote as many times as they like. The closing date for votes is today (Wednesday),” he said.
Muebi hopes to launch his first poetry album, Tshelede, featuring Sialala this Saturday at his home village of Duthun. General entrance fee is R30 and R150 for VIP tickets.
