Thandiswa Mazwai, The Soil, Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O added in Mzansi Fela Festival
By CityLife Arts Writer
The South African State Theatre (SAST) is excited to announce the addition of seasoned musicians including Thandiswa Mazwai, The Soil, Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O, Langa Mavuso, and Berita to the jampacked line-up of the 15th Annual Mzansi Fela Festival which is taking place from 01 to 18 December 2022 at the theatre. This weekend alone, the art festival will kick-off with performances from critically acclaimed musicians Zonke, KB Motsilanyane, and Tumi Mogorosi, and the riveting dance piece KONTROLLER directed by Muzi Macaleni Shili and Oscar Buthelezi.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Thandiswa Mazwai, aka King Tha, is set to wrap up this 2022 instalment with a bang when she performs on 18 December. She has long been one of the most influential musicians on the South African music scene. Her career began in 1995 with Bongo Maffin, one of the pioneering bands of the Kwaito era. After 6 award-winning albums with Bongo Maffin she ventured onto a solo career. Her first project Zabalaza (2004), reached double platinum status and won numerous awards, including a Kora award for Best African Female and four South African Music Awards.
For the third year in a row, the MFF will feature the Phinda Mzala series of concerts curated by Banda Banda Agency. This year, the series will showcase musicians Langa Mavuso and The Soil on 10 December, and Berita and Bongeziwe the following day. Phinda Mzala, a phrase reminiscent of Stimela and the 70s, is a call to action to re-live musical experiences centred on the urban African imaginary whilst celebrating stories of identity, social plights such as GBV, and the much needed healing for humanity as a result of Covid-19 and many other pandemics.
The award-winning jazz band Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O will share the stage with folk and soul singer Maleh and the unboxed BONJ on 17 December. The three acts will perform under the SAST Fringe banner, presented in partnership with Akum Agency. Now in its second season, SAST Fringe provides opportunities for working artists that have been on the fringe but depend on their artistic and technical talents for a living. It is dominated by musicians who are producing music to enter the mainstream or commercial scene.
Throughout the fifteen years, the MFF has become one of the premier arts festivals in the Tshwane Metropolitan and Gauteng province, if not the country at large. The festival presents the most exciting offering of local music, theatre, dance, comedy, and poetry during the festive season every year.
MZANSI FELA FESTIVAL UPDATED LINE UP
Kontroller 01- 04 December, Tickets R100
Zonke 02 Dec 2022 20:00, R200-350
Tumi Mogorosi 03 Dec 20:00, R150-180
KB Motsilanyane 04 Dec 15:00, R150-300
Comedy Society 09 Dec 20:00, R150-250
Isandlwana Walk Launch by Mbuso Khoza 09 Dec 20:00, R300
Pdoto & Blaklez 09 Dec 20:00, R150
Mavuso and The Soil10 Dec 20:00, R250-350
Berita and Bongeziwe 11 Dec 15:00, R250-350
Maleh, Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O and BONJ 17 Dec 20:00, R150-200
Lifted- “Let the blind sing” 14-18 Dec, R150
Thandiswa Mazwai 18 Dec, 15:00, R200-300.