Joburg Theatres in partnership with Soweto Tv and Jozi Fm hosted the Soweto Heritage Festival at the Soweto Theatre.
Sowetans attended in their numbers, looking colourful in proudly South African and traditional clothing with performances from dancers, drummers and Maskandi groups.
With the many cultures, crafts and talents found in Soweto, the event was aimed at bringing together the different cultures we have in one place and to celebrate our unity in diversity.
Sizwe Dube and Sydney Judah were some of the artists displaying their work with Dube showcasing objects he has made from wire and Judah displaying some of the drawings he sells.
“We appreciate festivals like these because we get the opportunity to show our work to a bigger market than the community we are exposed to,” said Dube.
For the many in attendance, the concert successfully fused two ideas that make up the fibre of most people from Soweto namely; having fun and embracing who you are.
“In most cases when you go to a concert or festival, you have fun, but the music played there is either commercial South African music or international music but traditional music is never played or there isn’t enjoyment and fun made around traditional music.”
What I really enjoyed at this festival was the different elements that were brought together under the common theme of heritage, so we had fun with all things African and South African,” said Thabsile Khumalo.
“What I didn’t like about the festival is that we were kept waiting when an act was meant to go on stage and I was disappointed that Mroza didn’t perform. Other than that, I enjoyed the festival,” said Lindiwe Shongwe.
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