It’s all happening in EL this weekend
Buffs, ECMAs, Casper and more to thrill
EAST London will be a hive of activity this weekend, with mainline events set to draw thousands of people from around the province.
The Eastern Cape Music Awards (ECMAs) is headlining the super weekend, which also includes the 44th Buffalo Marathon and halfmarathon, and Casper de Vries this evening.
The 15th Merrifield Mile at Wriggleswade Dam near Stutterheim takes place tomorrow.
The long-anticipated ECMAs will see a number of popular singers from across the province entertaining the audience at the Abbotsford Christian Centre.
The awards, in their second year, were supposed to take place in October last year but were put on ice a number of times.
The ECMAs received a R500 000 sponsorship from Buffalo City and have also partnered with the Daily Dispatch, Bay TV, the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, Media LED and SABC1 show Selimathunzi.
Founder Koko Godlo said they had been preparing the venue all week and were ready for the big night. “We are ready for action now. “We have come a long way and I am happy that the event is finally taking place,” he said.
Despite being held on the same day as the Metro FM Music Awards, Godlo said all was in place to ensure the ECMAs were a success.
The line-up for tonight includes Nathi Mankayi, Ntando Bangani, Berita, Betusile Mcinga, Anisto S, Lil G, Timoti, DJ Bino, Mdantsane Gospel Choir, Mashava, Butho and Yolanda Vuthela.
“We have something for everyone, no one will feel left out.
“From hip hop to gospel music, we have it all.
“We truly cannot wait for these artists to remind us how talented this province is,” Godlo said.
He said SABC1’s lifestyle show Selimathunzi and Bay TV would cover the red carpet on the night.
Selimathunzi director Baby Joe confirmed to the Daily Dispatch that presenter Siphesihle Vazi would cover the awards.
“We also have Bay TV and Vuzu who will also be covering the red carpet.
“People must make sure they bring their Sunday best for these awards,” Godlo said.
The categories include: artist of the year; song of the year; best male and female artists; and best hip hop, kwaito, afro-pop, gospel, traditional music and dance artists.
There are also awards for best DJ, best community radio station, community radio programme, radio DJ, and the best newcomer.
Unlike the first awards, the winners will get more than a trophy.
“There will be some compensation for the winners and a medal as well.
“We hope that as the awards grow we will also increase the compensation,” Godlo said.
Some of the artists nominated include Berita, Zahara, Mcinga, Ntando, Mashava, iFani, Mobi Dixon, Mankayi and gospel couple Butho and Yolanda Vuthela.
General tickets for the event cost R190, available at Computicket. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za