Committed Artists Foundation receives generous funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) and it is this support which makes the production of Siyagiya International Cultural Carnival 2012 possible. The event will also be supported by SABC1.

Siyagiya’s stellar artist roster will feature a galaxy of big-league performers, representing the richly varied potpourri of South African and African music. The prestigious event is envisaged as the forerunner of what will become an annual week-long Festive Season Carnival throughout the city of Ethekwini. This year’s components will comprise a daytime concert, running from 13:00 to 19:00, followed by a mainstage extravaganza from 20:00 to 01:00.

The afternoon event will open with I’scathamiya groups, NBA Champions and Usuthu; followed successively by Gospel groups Abalindi, Isigcino, Mvuselelo Buthlezi and Sifiso Ncwane; to be followed by high-powered Maskandi stars Intombi Yotalagu, Mfiliseni Magubane and Phuzekhemisi; and culminating with performances by Afro Pop artists, Afrosoul, Zonke and Freshlyground.

As a grand climax to the event, Siyagiya’s four-hour mainstage extravaganza runs from 20:00 to 01:00. With live backing by a star-studded 15-piece live band and Indlamu, Isishiyameni and Indian dancers, this stars front liners such as Mbongeni Ngema, Thandiswa Mazwai, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nigeria’s Omawumi, Swaziland’s singing sensation, Boloja, Jimmy Dludlu, Mbuso Khoza, Sonti, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Soul Brothers and Zolani Mkiva. SA’s Got Talent 2012 winner, 11-year-old Botlhale, will also be given her first big break to perform with iconic African artists.

Food stalls and beverage outlets will offer a wide range of catering options, with plenty of space for people to relax and enjoy themselves during this unique mega-event.

The latest brainchild of director Mbongeni Ngema, Siyagiya with its line-up of South African superstar musicians, bears the imprint of a long line of international showbiz blockbusters such as Woza Albert, Sarafina and Stimela Sase Zola among many others which for decades have kept Ngema at the apex of South Africa’s entertainment world.

“The objective of the project, apart from providing a great entertainment alternative to people simply parking off at the beach over the high peak holiday season, is to encourage folk to share their cultural identities with each other and get to know more about each other through the performing arts, by having fun together, and thereby promoting social cohesion in our region,” says Ngema.

“There is so much in our lives we can celebrate instead of focussing on the negative. Sharing our music and our various cultural genres of the performing arts with each other is a powerfully effective means of uplifting ourselves while finding common bonds within our broader South African community.”

Tickets range from R150 to R450. Booking for the Siyagiya Durban International Music and Cultural Carnival 2012 is through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or online booking via www.computicket.com.