Sho Madjozi, Madala Kunene billed to perform at the 'Folklore Festival'
The latest edition of the “Folklore Festival” commemorates South Africa’s three decades of democracy.
As part of the celebrations, a range of top local musicians will perform at Constitution Hill.
They include Sho Madjozi with “Shoma and The Stars” as well as Amanda Black, Madala Kunene, Maleh, Tubatsi Mpho Moloi, Gcina Mhlophe, DJ Bubbles and DJ Bob, among others.
It will be hosted by Pilani Bubu, a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, poet, TV presenter and also the founder and curator of the Folklore Festival. The indelible storyteller will also perform her hit song, “Nay’Indaba”, at the event.
“It is time for this community to come together again to share in culture, creativity and heritage,” she said.
“This is a family-friendly platform to have those resonant conversations, to hold space for our shared values and to contribute to nation-building.”
She added that the event is a “multidisciplinary culture and heritage festival that seeks to build a community that shares, documents and archives our folklore in diverse art forms.”
“In the theme of this year’s biggest conversation for the greater South African audience, we are contemplating 30 years of freedom.”
This is the third year that the event will be held. It is being staged after organisers hosted a series of fringe shows under the theme #WETHEFOLK.
“This family day is a finale show for Gauteng, intentionally held at Constitution Hill to fully reflect on our country’s history and to mark this significant milestone for South Africa,” Bubu explained. “We intend to share in culture, creativity and heritage.”
As part of the proceedings, authors, spoken word artists, poets and storytellers will also take to the stage, including education specialist Dr. Jocelyn Logan-Friend.
“The organisation is steadfast in pursuing its mission to share, capture, preserve, and archive all that is African folklore,” Bubu said.
Where: The Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein.
When: Saturday, September 14.
Cost: Tickets start at R120 and are available through Quicket.
“The F-Show”
Mpho Popps, Vafa Naraghi and Khanyisa Bunu are set to tickle the funny bone at “The F-Show”.
“From the absurdity of the cost of groceries to the tenacity of side hustle culture, the show is a reflection of the glorious ups and downs and the ins and outs of surviving daily in South Africa,” the organisers said.
They added that attendees are in for a night of unfiltered, side-splitting comedy as Popps leads a powerhouse line-up.
“Known for his electric stage presence and razor-sharp wit, Mpho Popps will dive into the cost of living in SA, transforming it into comedic brilliance that will leave audiences roaring with laughter,” they said.
“With years of experience on both television and live stages, Mpho’s unique perspective on life’s absurdities has made him a household name and his headlining performance at ‘The F-Show’ is set to be legendary.”
Meanwhile, Naraghi will bring his distinct voice and his knack for finding humour in the unexpected to the event.
“Vafa’s sharp commentary on cultural dynamics and everyday mishaps will resonate with anyone who has ever found themselves in their own personal F-show.”
Rounding out the line-up is Bunu, who has become renowned for her no-nonsense approach to comedy and her witty punchlines.
“Khanyisa will bring her fresh perspective to the stage,” the organisers said.
“With a comedy style that blends sharp observations with personal anecdotes, she has become a favourite among South African audiences and her performance at ‘The F-Show’ promises to deliver laughs that are as insightful as they are hilarious.”
Where: The Theatre on the Square in Sandton.
When: Friday, September 13, Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15.
Cost: Tickets cost R150 and are available through Quicket.
UJ Choir’s 50th Celebration Concert
The University of Johannesburg’s Arts & Culture department is hosting the UJ Choir’s 50-year celebration as it commemorates five decades of exceptional music-making.
“Through the years, UJ Choir has bloomed into a musical beacon, mirroring the nation’s historical struggles and aspirations for the future,” the organisers said.
“It exemplifies the unifying power of song, bringing together individuals from diverse socio-political backgrounds into a harmonious unity that transcends the transient borders of our land.”
The choir has seen itself under the directorship of four legendary conductors since 1974, with Renette Bouwer, who recently retired, serving the longest tenure. Over a hundred choir alumni will join UJ Choir 2024 on stage in this special gathering.
“Uniting current members of the University of Johannesburg Choir with its alumni choristers, it promises to be a memorable performance.”
UJ’s head of arts and culture, Pieter Jacobs, said that the choir is something that they are “immensely proud of”.
“More than admiration for their magical sound and many achievements, the choir signifies who we at UJ are, and to arrange this special celebration is an honour.”
Acting choirmaster Sizwe Mondlane added: “It is so beautiful that we get to relate to people from generations before us; we get to relate to each other beyond race, beyond age.”
“This is a legacy worth celebrating.”
Where: The Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre at UJ’s Arts Centre.
When: Friday, September 13, and Saturday, September 14.
Cost: Tickets start from R120 and are available through Webtickets.