Cultural blend at Bush Braai initiative

The Mapungubwe Arts Festival’s Bush Braai concert was staged with the intention of promoting social cohesion and nation building and what could have been, for the first time in the history of the festival, a showcase for cultural diversity, with a wide variety of artists scheduled to cater for all people attending the festival. Well-known …

December 14, 2016

1 minute read

The Mapungubwe Arts Festival’s Bush Braai concert was staged with the intention of promoting social cohesion and nation building and what could have been, for the first time in the history of the festival, a showcase for cultural diversity, with a wide variety of artists scheduled to cater for all people attending the festival.
Well-known artists such as Snotkop, Candy, Mopedi, Elvis Blue, King Monada, BlackByrd, Nadine and Desmond and the Tutus were to offer a variety of feel-good, upbeat music.
It was therefore a bit embarrassing and disappointing that only a small number of people attended the concert. Those who did attend, however, did not lack enthusiasm and it certainly did not deter the artists from delivering their best.
One portable braai was spotted among the audience and many attendees said they were there because of tickets received or won through a local radio station.
BlackByrd, a trio of award-winning beauties kicked off the concert at around 19:00 and their combination of pop, country and ballades were warmly appreciated by the audience.
Snotkop really got the audience dancing and clapping, definitely promoting social cohesion with all and sundry participating in his lively renditions, especially of ‘No woman no cry.’

Elvis Blue, with his mellow songs was enjoyed by most, and his saxophone player, Hiram Koopman was a hit among the audience. After the Bush Braai concert Elvis Blue posted on his Facebook page that he would have to get a security guard for Hiram, as one of his dreadlocks was apparently stolen.
At around 22:45 Sport Arts and Culture, Onicca Moloi MEC and her entourage of VIP guests arrived, with around 40 Cuban doctors and engineers, many of whom arrived in the province only two weeks ago, which swelled the numbers of the meagre audience. The performance of Nadine was also enjoyed and appreciated by all the guests and attendees.

After 23:00 the audience dwindled further because of the unusually cold weather. Mopedi, Candy, King Monada and Desmond and the Tutus were to appear, but a heavy downpour unfortunately doused the event.