New PE talent at Grand Hotel

Imibala Arts Festival features music, poetry and dance

Young dancers and musicians will get their chance to perform at the second Imibala Arts Festival on Saturday at the Grand Hotel.

Imibala – Xhosa for colours – will be held on the lawns of the Central hotel from 3 to 10pm and offer music, dance, visual arts and various food stalls.

Port Elizabeth-based world musician Tarynne Swarts, who founded Pachamama Project Productions in 2017, presented the first event in April 2017 and said Pachamama saw it as more than a festival.

“It is an arts initiative aimed at developing the youth through music and arts,” Swarts said. “Our slogan is ‘cross colours/cross cultures’ and our aim is to unite all cultures of the world together in the spirit of ubuntu.”

Swarts will be launching a music video for her Mbaqanga single at the festival.

The line-up includes emerging artists such as the Scheubles, Nigerian singer Osabuohien Clifford Uwuoruya and band Musik Afrika, poets Eve’s Apple, 5 Kullid Guys, Taren Carolus and Athenkosi Gxuluwe as well as others.

The MCs will be Andile Kit Langa from Bay TV, Petula El Kindiy from Bay FM and guest MC Mbulelo “ManyLaughs” Msongelwa.

The festival will also feature emerging dancers Nareah Plaatjies from St Thomas and a group from Cillie High School who took part in the Imibala arts development programmes with international award-winning dance choreographer Zanuvuyo Zaza.

“We encourage all to bring their camping chairs and picnic blankets,” event assistant Sihle Tsendze said.

There will be an opportunity for picnics “followed by the more artistic and musical crowd whose entertainment desires we aim to meet”.

Tickets are R100 pre-sold or R150 at the door, and R350 VIP which includes a drink, mini platters and snacks and a meetand-greet with artists.

Children under 12 pay R30.