Music festivals part of strategic economic development focus
Published: April 21, 2023<< BACK TO NEWS
The isiXhosa Music Festival and the Northern Gems Music Festival, both planned for the 29th of April at the St. George’s Cricket Ground and Gelvandale Cricket Grounds respectively, are part of a broader strategic economic development focus.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Member of
the Mayoral Committee for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Bassie Kamana says
these events have the potential to become catalysts for growth and major
economic drivers for the development of local artists and small, medium and
micro enterprises as well.
"The success of last year’s edition of the
Richmond Hill Street Music Festival is a case in point. We definitely can grow events,
spread over more suburbs to complement our established annual events such as
the Splash Festival, Opening of the Season and water sports events held at our
striking beachfront.
"Our brief to the organisers is that they
must create a unique experience that will attract focused and ultimately loyal
audiences over the years. We would love to see them become major drawcards for
local and national tourists as well.
"My vision is to see people experience
Nelson Mandela Bay as a city of action, where things happen (imbila yaselwa
umsilwa ngokuyalezela),” MMC Kamana said.
The isiXhosa Music Festival promises
standout performances by national stars like Ringo Madlingozi, Amanda Black,
Nathi Mankayi and the crème de la crème of local Xhosa music talent.
Well-known national Afrikaans rapper and
Bloemendal-resident Early B, Bevin Samuels and Jay EM are amongst the
headliners for the Northern Gems Music Festival.
Other events aimed at bolstering the Nelson
Mandela Bay events season are long distance running events held at Motherwell
and Uitenhage and Despatch amongst others. Gqeberha is also well-known as the
longstanding host of Ironman South Africa and major cricket, rugby and football
events.
Gates open for both events from 9am.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality by Media Management Officer Kupido Baron (082 780 2726 / 041 506
1500 / kbaron@mandelametro.gov.za/ @kupidobaron).
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