The R&B mainstay, who recently took to YouTube with an amazing cover of Adele’s Hello that has amassed over 1.9 million views, will mark the artist’s first concert appearance in Limpopo. Thomas is set to bring his soul-stirring authority and reveal powerful truths with heart and grace through song.
The impressive line-up of international and 80% home grown flair will kick off with a cultural carnival parade and stage performances on December 4, and see audiences being treated to a week long programme of electrifying theatre, comedy, DJs, and hip hop performances that will enthrall audiences, all tied in between a gospel festival. It all adds to the local government’s mandate to develop excellence and high performance in the arts sector while creating work for local artists.
“Art is royalty and Mapungubwe Arts and Culture Festival will, true to its name, be a treasure trove of talent development, sustainable living for artists and international cultural exchanges,” says Limpopo sports, arts and culture MEC Nandi Ndalane.
Festival organisers T-Musicman and Tsalena Media are at the helm, seeking to establish the province of Limpopo as a leading destination on the music circuit and affirm the vast talent the area has, and continues to produce. while adding to the contribution of arts and culture for sustainable economic development and growing the local tourism industry.
Hotels, restaurants and various outlets from Polokwane are the obvious winners for major events like this, for which businesses can treat the week-long revelry as a unique opportunity to sell their services, products, and benefit from the influx of visitors Mapungubwe attracts.
“Mapungubwe Arts Festival is not only a platform that promotes social cohesion provincially but also an event that welcomes our brothers and sisters that work in other provinces,” says Limpopo premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.
The Mapungubwe Arts Festival will close with the Jazz and Heritage Festival taking place at the Polokwane Cricket Ground from the 12 to 13 of December. The line-up includes Thomas Mapfumo, Judith Sephuma, PJ Powers, Mahotella Queens, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Wanda Baloyi, Mmatema, Penny Penny to mention a few.
Returning to the festival is the famed and much loved trumpeter Hugh Masekela, guitar maestro Selaelo Selota, Xitsonga singer Joe Shirimani, and the 16-time South African Music Awards winner Dr. Thomas Chauke, who played last year.
Tickets are R100 for the Gospel Festival taking place on 5 December featuring Joyous Celebration, Sifiso Ncwane, Solly Mahlangu, Winnie Mashaba and Maduvha Madima among others.
The Comedy Knights, which features Kagiso Lediga, Kedibone Mulaudzi, Mashabela Galane, Roni Modimole, Modiri and Skhumba Hlophe, runs from 8 to 10 December and tickets cost R50.
The pre-party on 5 December will see performances from DJs Black Coffee, Shimza, Ganyani, Capser Nyovest and many more, at R50 a ticket.
Ticket for the festival are available
here.