Africa Day, celebrated on 25 May, pays tribute to the continent's rich heritage, diverse languages, ethnicity and cultural backgrounds.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963. The OAU was later succeeded by the African Union (AU), whose 53 member countries work together to promote African economic, social and political integration for the betterment of all people on the continent.
This year Artscape in association with the Western Cape Government, hosts a weekend programme to mark the day. The celebrations will include the multi-genre presentation Ways of Being Free – A collaborative production of “Raw African Rooted and Inspired talent” on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May at the Artscape Arena. Featuring indigenous music maestro Dizu Plaatjie and band, eclectic dancer-choreographer Jacki Job, Malika Ndlovu and Cape Town Jazz-folk legend Tina Schouw. Award-winning director Mandla Mbothwe curates this exciting new collaboration.
On Saturday, 24 May The Annual Artscape Africa Day Concert can be seen at the Artscape Theatre. This year’s concert will feature a kaleidoscope of talent, including The Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, The Libertas Choir, Bongani Sotshononda’s Indigenous Orchestra, Potseletso Sejosingoe, as well as representative acts from Angola and Morroco.
Bookings for the Artscape Africa Day Celebrations can be made via Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695.
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
Cell: 079 990 4231
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za