It was raining money in the City of Johannesburg as Khayalethu, Young Grenade, Mfazi Omhlophe, and Detroit walked away with cheques of R10, 000 each after coming out triumphant in the Clash of the Regions. The City put up spectacular cultural activities for all to enjoy as part of the 30th anniversary of the Arts Alive International Arts Festival’s Clash of the Regions, where young artists battled it out for the grand prize.
The Arts Alive International Arts Festival, which offers activities presented in and around the city’s most iconic locales, is a convergence of diverse creative industries brought to life by some of South Africa’s most celebrated artists.
Paterson Park Multipurpose Centre, which graciously housed the Clash of the Regions 2022 finale, has a rich heritage, and represents a genuine opportunity for inclusive community development in Johannesburg.
This was evident on Saturday, when artists and supporters gathered to the centre to witness finalists go head-to-head for the 2022 Clash of the Regions champions title.
Ntshuxeko Manganye, the Deputy Director of Arts, Culture, and Heritage in the City of Johannesburg’s Community Development Department, opened the ceremony by commending contestants on advancing to the finals and extended heartfelt gratitude to all in attendance.
“As we reach the culmination of our 30th Arts Alive Festival, I’d like to thank our Arts, Culture, and Heritage directorate, as well as our Director Vuyisilie Mshudulu, for the opportunity to stage this event today as part of the many other Arts Alive activities we’ve enjoyed throughout the month.
“Thank you for enabling creatives to explore a platform that permits them to be free and exhibit their brilliance and creativity; our finalists have devoted a significant amount of time and effort into preparation, and I’d like to admire and respect all our artists; your efforts do not go unnoticed,” Manganye noted.
Clash of the Regions is an artist development programme that promotes musical genres such as kwaito/amapiano, hip-hop music, poetry, and stand-up comedy.
The City seeks to reach out to communities that are often on the sidelines and nurture potential so that bright artists from these areas may be taken from the outskirts to the centre of the creative economy.
Champions Khayalethu, Young Grenade, Mfazi Omhlophe and Detroit walked away with a reward of R10,000, prompting plenty of screaming and supporters jumping gleefully on them in jubilation.
One of the winners, Young Grenade, expressed the joy of winning, saying: “It was absolutely splendid; I still feel emotional when I think about it now, because it’s one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me.
“It really is satisfying to receive not only acknowledgment, but a reward for something you’ve achieved, and in my instance, something in which I devoted my entire time, passion and energy; people have now listened to my narrative, marveled at my talent, and believe that it’s something worthwhile,” he remarked.
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
11/12/2022