Essence festival firing Africa with inspiration
Officials say the event will provide sustainable job opportunities.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: Nomzamo Mbatha at the 2017 BET Awards at Microsoft Square on June 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/AFP
Making its way to KwaZulu-Natal for the second time, the Essence Festival will be taking place from next Tuesday to Sunday, October 1, at the Durban International Convention Centre.
This year’s theme being “Firing Africa with Inspiration” the festival will outline borders within music and entertainment, fashion, food and beverages, lifestyle, tech, arts and business.
The festival will bring in a large international audience and cast like internationally acclaimed speaker and author Bishop TD Jakes, Rev Al Sharpton and American singer-songwriter, model, poet and actress Jill Scott.
Acting deputy city manager at the eThekwini Municipality, Phillip Sithole, said: “We are thrilled to once again bring the Essence Festival to our shores; this is an exchange of cultural experiences that ensures there are sustained employment opportunities for the eThekwini Municipality.
Sithole went on to say: “The festival brings great benefits for our residents and South African musicians who are bridging the gap between local and international music.”
Festival ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha together with Metro FM breakfast host and Idols SA judge Somizi Mhlongo are among the personalities who will be hosting the festival along with performances from Durban-based artists Babes WoDumo and award-winning rapper Nasty C. – kgosim@citizen.co.za
