Battlefields Carnival transforms into Battlefields Art Festival
He added that this years festival would focus on the importance of having this kind of a festival - “one that aims to instil and reflect on the critical issues that the battles produced for our people, our nation”.
The Battlefields Arts Festival is a celebration of the rich culture of South Africa. Previously held at the Royal Country Inn , the festival has moved to the Battlefields Country Lodge on November 25.
“It’s about how the battles shaped and introduced the culture we have today. The festival is not about celebrating the blood shed, but rather the by-product which has helped to shape how we look at each other and our identities,” said festival organiser and chief executive, former Dundonian Dumisani Oscar Zulu.
He added that this years festival would focus on the importance of having this kind of a festival – “one that aims to instil and reflect on the critical issues that the battles produced for our people, our nation”.
Zulu said the artists who would be performing were picked because they represented the essence of the festival.
“We believe in their writings, in their lyrics. They resonate with the spirit and the vision of the festival. That’s why it is more afro, jazz and indie music. We want to appeal across all lines, racial and cultural, as it’s about the connection of who we are as a people,” said Zulu.
He said the festival, which will see music, books and poetry come together, had been growing organically. “It attracts those who really appreciate the art forms and understand how the arts can be used to promote our national identity.”
For this year’s event, he said people should expect a highly charged musical event. In the line-up are singer and songwriter Msaki, afro soul star Berita, afro pop star Mondli Ngcobo, jazz drummer Tumi Mogorosi and The Voice’s Jono Johansen.
