“Ode to the Blanket” is the theme of this year’s Africa Day Groove festival to be staged at the Soweto Theatre on Saturday, 28 May from noon.
The theme is inspired by the concept of blankets playing a significant role in African culture and tradition.
The Africa Day Groove festival has a social conscience that embraces the arts as a critical unifier of the diversity of the tribes and cultures of the African continent. The event aims to bring Africans together through music and dance. It is hosted by the Soweto Theatre in partnership with Sound Proprietors.
Musical acts on the festival line-up include the acclaimed Sjava, Nomfundo Moh, Peanut Butter and Jam with Malcolm Jiyane, The Brother Moves On, Black Crazy Dudes, as well as Soweto’s BCUC. The amazing line-up will be completed by DJ Mofaya.
The event intends to use the diversity of Africans to unite and promote the undeniable creativity of local artists, offering an opportunity for the audience to be even more proud of their African heritage.
A colourful art, crafts, and food market with local exhibitors showcasing a variety of delectable cuisines will form part of festivities.
“From good music to tasty food to local crafts and fashion at a fair price, the event is guaranteed to be an enjoyable time,” says Tshiamo Moseyi, the founder of Sound Proprietors, the event organisers.
Moseyi says his company is delighted to be bringing back the Africa Day Groove event following the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Although it is the new normal, we forge ahead with the mandate that we have been given by our elders to remember them and the heredities passed down through the arts, literature, and music,” he says.
Moseyi notes that the inclusion of blankets in the show is meant to commemorate their traditional significance in African milestones. “While celebrating African heritage and diversity, perhaps something as trivial as a blanket will remind us of our similarities”, he adds.
Many African cultures use blankets to not only represent their tribes but also to commemorate a significant period or event in their lives.
“Blankets form part of traditions cultivated and adapted over many years. Designs will vary depending on the specific tribe or region,” Mosenyi says.
Commemorated annually on 25 May, Africa Day serves as a reminder that 32 African countries signed the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which later evolved into the African Union (AU) in 1963. At the time, only 30 of those countries were free of colonial rule. The charter called for greater African unity in support of African countries’ independence from colonialism and apartheid. It also promoted economic and political cooperation to ensure all people on the continent lived freely and prosperously.
Africa Day Groove takes place at the Soweto Theatre on Saturday, 28 May 2022 between noon and 10p.m. Tickets retail at R250 at WebTickets or at Pick ‘n Pay outlets nationwide. Theatregoers are urged to present their identity documents on the day of the event to complete the public health questionnaire. All Covid-19 health protocols will be adhered to. To learn more about Africa Day Groove, go to https://www.sowetotheatre.com/ or call 0861 670 670.
Written by Bongiwe Radebe and Buhle Mpeoa
25/05/2022