Find your festive fix here
DURING the festive season Durban becomes the party capital of Mzansi. From family picnics to three-day-long music festivals, there is something for everyone, writes
IGNITE
For the third year, music maestro Lindelani Mkhize is bringing back his annual Ignite concert.
Described as a “mobile academy that offers a practical development in the arts, entertainment and performance space, where the artists come with theoretical knowledge of the arts”, Ignite gives artists a platform where they engage in showcasing their talent. It’s dedicated to unearthing some of the best local raw talent to come out of South Africa or Africa.
The co-founder of Joyous Celebration holds auditions each year for artists who want to be apart of Ignite. Performances are across genres and include well-known names.
Date: December 21 at The Playhouse. Tickets R290, or R490 including dinner.
DURBAN JAZZ FESTIVAL
This festival has been entertaining jazz lovers for more than a decade and has become one of the city’s most anticipated events during the festive season. Set at the beautiful Hazelmere Dam in Verulam, north of Durban, the festival is family-friendly and includes activities such as jet skiing.
This year’s line-up includes award-winning artists and some of Mzansi’s biggest performers, such as Lira, Zonke, Vusi Nova, Zamajobe, Nathi Mankayi, Afrotraction, Zamo Dlamini from Swaziland and Mlindo the Vocalist. Also enjoy DJ Siyanda, DJ Cndo and many others.
Date: December 26. Camp chairs, braai stands and cooler boxes are allowed. Tickets from R295, golden circle R450.
FACT DURBAN ROCKS
Arguably the biggest party of the year. Hundreds of people from across the country travel to Durban for the annual New Year’s Eve bash.
This year, the event is celebrating a milestone 15 years and promises the biggest names in the music industry.
Internationally celebrated DJ Black Coffee will return. DJ Tira, who will host his own Hunters Extreme Floor, will be performing with his Ezaseafro team, which includes gqom sensations Distruction Boyz, Dladla Mshunqisi, Naak Musiq, Prince Bulo, Tipcee, Zodwa Wabantu and DJ Sox.
Also beefing up the line-up are hip hop stars Nasty C and AKA, songstress Lady Zamar and two of this year’s biggest hit-makers, Sun El Musician and Busiswa.
Date: December 31 from 6pm, at People’s Park at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. General access tickets R300, VIP tickets R1200. SMOKING DRAGON FESTIVAL In the foothills of one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, home to the highest waterfall in Africa, the Northern Drakensberg comes alive with a musical display for the three-day Smoking Dragon Festival.
It includes five stages with performances from artists across genres. Festival-goers can look forward to appearances by Sun El-musician, Mi Casa, The Muffins, Malizulu, December Streets, DJ Cam and many others.
Date: Starts on December 29. A general three-day pass costs R855, a VIP ticket R1700. Single-day passes start from R110 and a campsite and other accommodation options are available.
WOZ’E DURBAN PICNIC Celebrate the New Year in style with family and friends at a picnic. This year the Woz’e Durban Picnic takes place at Greyville racecourse.
Entertainment includes Oskido, Mlindo the Vocalist and Bongo Maffin.
Date: January 1. Tickets start from R250 for general access, R600 for VIP. Children between 3 and 12 years pay R100. Picnic chairs and blankets are allowed as well as cool boxes.