LOCAL artistes set the bar high at this year’s Hibiscus Coast Summer Beach Festival. The event, which took place at St Michael’s beach last Saturday, left fans with unwavering smiles as various local artistes showcased their talents and proved why the South Coast is a prime holiday destination. This year’s event seemed well organised, as families gathered around in picnic style.
Various sports such as netball and volleyball were played at the beach while youngsters enjoyed jumping castles and having their faces painted. The festival was opened by songbird Nathi Mankanyi, who has taken South Africa by storm with his jazzy Afro-soul sounds. He was followed by our very own White Bread, who put the South Coast on the map by winning the ‘Ushaka Search for the Stars’ competition in the a cappella category, which featured entrants from the whole of KwaZulu-Natal.
In terms of music, all age groups were catered for at the event, as award winning gospel star, Dumi Mkokstad pulled in the crowds and even had ‘gogos’ singing along with him. Jazz artistes also featured at this year’s event. Among other local artistes who stole the show were ‘Professor’ from Izingolweni, famous for his controversial outfits when performing at SAMA or METRO awards and DJ Bruce, DJ Mngani and Vero from Betania.
KwaZulu-Natal arts and culture ambassador, Thandeka Zulu, pleaded with holidaymakers and beachgoers to stay safe during the festive season and to avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
Hibiscus Coast Municipality spokesman, Simon April, said that the event was better organised this year as residents of St Michael’s and holidaymakers also woke up to a clean beach the following day.
