Homegrown singer-songwriter extraordinaire, Simmy, and award-winning songstress, Msaki, will headline the Paris-New York Heritage (PNYH) festival at Constitutional Hill on Saturday, 5 March, alongside international music heavyweight Raashan Ahmad.
The three-day extravaganza, scheduled between Thursday, 3 and Saturday, 5 March features a stellar line-up of local and international acts, including Gontse Makhene, Cool Air, DJeuhjoah, Lieutenant Nicholason, Malcolm Jiyane, Shamrock Guitor, 2lani the Warrior, and 16 students from the Morris Isaacson Centre for Music, collaborating with Bholoja from Eswatini.
The event will also host an arts and crafts LoCrate market, well known for showcasing products by young and aspiring entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators. This market also helps establish local brands and gets people exposed to the arty-farty lifestyle.
Councillor Nkuli Mbundu, Joburg’s portfolio head of Economic Development, says the City’s involvement in the festival bodes well for the development of SMMEs.
“Supporting the festival goes a long way in promoting and showcasing Joburg as a tourism destination of choice and a world-renowned creative, music, arts and cultural hub,” Mbundu says.
Supported by the festival, these SMMEs include tour guides, tour operators, artists and crafters working at the market, as well as professionals offering experience in the various aspects of destination and urban exploration and adventure.
“We look forward to taking advantage of the relaxed Covid-19 restrictions and welcoming a great crowd to Con Hill this weekend, while tourism products in the area like the Reef and Aha Hotels and backpacker lodges also stand to benefit,” the MMC says.
The festival will also feature discussions on a post-Covid-19 global society to be facilitated by Kaya FM’s producer and presenter, Nicky Blumenfeld, festival director, promoter, and educator Benjamin Levy; expert percussionist and music therapist Azah; and a host of other invited speakers. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and dialogue.
“The cultural expressions of African and diasporic communities share a common foundation, a fight for the recognition of their humanity, and the importance of acknowledging their role in its history. In 2022, the festival explores humanity’s future under the theme of “Human [U]nity”. After the Covid-19 pandemic hit the globe during the peak of climate discussions, humanity must now figure out how to survive, together, as one,” says Blumenfeld, aka DJ Nicky B.
It is the second time South Africans will enjoy the Paris-New York heritage festival. Festival promoters have scheduled the event to run from Thursday, 3 to Saturday, 5 March, starting with a meet and greet on the 3rd as well as conversations and discussions on the 4th. The 5th of March is reserved for the concert and the well-known creative arts hub, LoCrate Market, with 15 stalls decked with delicious food and local arts and crafts for a day of fun and culture. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample local cuisine and experience the township lifestyle.
The Paris-New York Heritage Festival is organised under the auspices of Joburg Tourism, alongside IFAS, Kaya959, SACEM, Paris City and Institut Français. Tickets cost R150 online through Howler. Visit www.pnyhfestival.com for more information.
Written by Dakalo Ramudidibi
03/02/2022