The Mandela Bay Arts Festival has added more local talent to an already exciting programme for some of the region’s top performers to take centre stage.
With the support of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, administered by the National Arts Council, new additions to the jam-packed programme include a series of three evening concerts taking place at The Roof Garden in Central during the 10-day event from February 16.
Gqeberha-born Mandisi Dyantyi, a Sama winner who has performed all over the world, has seen his recent shows in Gqeberha and Johannesburg sold out in a matter of hours.
He will be returning on February 17 to perform with his reggae band, Skank and the Roots.
Known for their distinctive laid-back reggae sounds, Skank and the Roots band members all hail from the Bay.
Standard Bank Ovation award winner and a People’s Choice comedian, Khanyisa Bunu, has also become a familiar face on SA television and will be at the festival to enthral audiences.
Despatch duo King Jade and Baby Joe will grace the stage on February 23, along with founder of the Sam Jam Sessions, MissJay, and East London-born songwriter, vocalist and performer Thembi Mona.
Butterworth-born Simphiwe Dana will perform for one night only on February 24, as will comedian Siya Seya, and Kariega-born and raised vocalist Bella.
Festival CEO Monica Newton said the partnership between the National Arts Festival and the Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Festival had brought the opportunity to stage both new and iconic works in one festival, showing the diverse cultural currents of the Nelson Mandela Bay area.
“The creative economy is a significant stimulus for job creation and entrepreneurship, but it’s also important that audiences invest in this sector by supporting local talent,” Newton said.
Staged across a number of venues in the Bay, the festival programme is packed with theatre, dance, music, comedy, illusion, visual art, craft and more, and brings audiences a wide range of shows created by a diverse line-up of local artists.
Tickets start at R60 with the full programme available online.
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