The Imibala Arts Festival launches on Friday, October 26 at the NMU Bird Street campus, with live performances from emerging artists, as well as a music video launch.
The isiXhosa word Imibala means different colours and the festival’s slogan is “cross-colours and cross-cultures”.
“Our aim it to unite all cultures of the world together in the spirit of ubuntu through music and the arts,” said world musician Tarynne Swarts, the driving force behind the festival.
Swarts, the driving force behind the festival, will also launch the debut music video for her new single, Mbaqanga, on Friday.
She said her Pachamama Project Productions founded the festival in 2017 and it had grown this year to include a movement of artists.
“We are in the process of organising our second big edition festival for November 24 and to build up to the second Imibala, we have decided to host an official launch.”
Project assistant Sihle Tsendze said Friday’s line-up would be diverse, with several emerging artists performing with Swarts.
These include the Scheubles, Osabouhien Uwuoruya, Mojazz Ray and two dancers.
"The Scheubles are a brother and sister duo from the northern areas who sing covers with a jazzy feel,” Tsendze said.
Nigerian singer-guitarist Uwuoruya will perform and the six-member Mojazz Ray band and as well as dancers Nareah Plaatjies and Krissi.
“Nareah does hiphop fused with classical ballet, while Krissi dances new school hiphopmixed with Afro-punk,” Tsendze said.
The MCs for the evening will be Andile Langa, from BayTV, and Petula El Kindiy, from BayFM.
Tsendze said the launch was just a taste of the full festival next month.
“We intend building on this by extending our programme to include a picnic for the family during the afternoon followed by the more artistic and musical crowd.
"Our programme will have an eclectic mix of visual art, poetry, dance and music, with a hint of fashion,” he said.
Tickets for Friday’s launch are R60 pre-sold (R70 at the door), which includes a complimentary drink.
Doors open at 5pm and the programme will start at 6.30pm in the Music Building at the Bird Street campus. It is expected to continue until 8.30pm. Further information from Tsendze, 076-967-7363.