Story audio is generated using AI
The City of Mbombela will come alive from November 11 to December 5 as the 11th edition of the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience takes place, with a string of national and international artists set to perform.
Launching the event in Mbombela, MEC for culture, sports and recreation Leah Mabuza said the provincial government invested R6m in the festival, less than before, as most pillars of the event have secured their own sponsors.
The festival will include workshops for emerging artists, comedy shows, a choral music show, the 013 Summer Blaze, Sunday Soul Session and the Gospel Music Awards.
“As we celebrate the 11th edition, we are also celebrating a journey that has brought together communities, artists, musicians, cultural practitioners, young people and visitors from across the province and beyond,” Mabuza said.
“Over the past 11 years, the Cultural Xperience has created opportunities for established and emerging artists to showcase their talent before diverse audiences. It has also provided a platform for our traditional and contemporary forms of expression to exist side by side.
“From music, dance, fashion, food and traditional cultural expressions, the festival continues to demonstrate that our culture is dynamic, living and constantly evolving,” said Mabuza.
The event is expected to stimulate economic activity across the province by creating opportunities for everyone involved in the value chain of events — artists, event organisers, transport operators, accommodation establishments, as well as restaurants
“More small businesses are gaining from the event,” Mabuza said.
The Cultural Xperience‘s broader objective, she said, was “re-imagining culture as an economic driver and a source of sustainable livelihoods” in the province.
“Tourism attractions in Mpumalanga are not only limited to scenic beauty and a wide range of our fauna and flora, majestic waterfalls, the breathtaking Makhonjwa mountain range and wildlife, but also to experience our people’s way of life, our music, our food, our traditions and our hospitality anchored on Ubuntu values.”
Mbombela municipality MMC for sports and recreation, Khanyi Mhlanga, said that the Mpumalanga 013 Summer Blaze Festival alone creates more than 1,000 jobs, especially for the rural Mataffin community housing Mbombela Stadium, where the event is held.
“As the City of Mbombela, we are pleased about these events, as they bring economic spinoffs in terms of businesses and economic opportunities for small businesses …”
“[This is] something that we need as the municipality for our people to share the spoils of the cultural experience,” said Mhlanga.
Mabuza revealed that over 22 artists, including local ones, are to perform in the 013 Summer Blaze, including Uncle Waffles, Casper Nyovest, Sjava, Zee Nxumalo, Sun El, Musician, Daliwonga, Big Zulu and Shandesh
American crooner Glen Jones will headline the Sunday soul session.
Sowetan
Mandla Khoza
www.sowetan.co.za
