By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Big names like Makhadzi, Cassper Nyovest and Ringo Madlingozi will take the stage at the Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival.
- Fans are encouraged to wear traditional outfits and enjoy a full menu of local dishes in the VIP section.
Sun City is about to come alive with the sights and sounds of South Africa.
The Ziyakhala Mo Sun City Festival is set to take over the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 28 June. And organisers promise a full cultural explosion of music, dance and food.
The festival, run in partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation, will showcase the country’s top traditional and popular artists.
“‘Ziyakhala’ is a South African slang term that roughly translates to ‘it’s happening’ or ‘the party’s on. In a more playful sense, it indeed implies all kinds of fun, excitement, and celebration. ‘Mo’ is a Setswana word meaning ‘here’…We had to bring it home,” said Nombuso Buthelezi, Sun City’s head of events.
Fans can expect a hot line-up, with performers like Afro music legend Ringo Madlingozi, hip hop king Cassper Nyovest, Queen of Limpopo Makhadzi and maskandi star Mthandeni SK.
Also hitting the stage are Lwah Ndlunkulu, King Monada, Ntate Stunna, Dr Nothembi Mkhwebane and General Muzka.
One of the biggest highlights will be Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the five-time Grammy Award winners known for their powerful isicathamiya vocals.
“We are excited that this truly unique partnership will allow us to touch all corners of the country and reach lovers of traditional South African music who will experience this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration at the Sun City resort,” said Buthelezi.
Organisers say guests are welcome to dress in their finest traditional wear to honour the spirit of the event.
Thinasiphelele Sixaso, general manager for public service radio at the SABC, said: “The SABC is the custodian of the country’s cultural expressions and music heritage, therefore our role is to tell the creative industry story through our African language stations, which are the perfect platforms to enrich the cultural heritage of South Africa.”
“We are excited that our stations play a critical role in supporting traditional artistic expression through partnerships such as this one.”
Those who want to enjoy the event in comfort can buy VIP tickets, which include table seating and a traditional food buffet from 6pm to 8pm.
Pictured above: A poster of the upcoming music festival.
Image source: Supplied
