The Sunday News
Rumbidzai Mbewe, Sunday Life Correspondent
EVERY year on 25 May, Africans take time in their busy schedules to celebrate the continents’ achievements. During this month most African countries celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity and wealth of cultures, beliefs and traditions that make up the African continent.
A series of special events have been lined up to celebrate African music. On 27 May, a concert will be held at Johannesburg theatre which will feature artists from Zimbabwe who Include Tendai Manatsa, female guitarist Tariro ne Gitare, Selmor Mtukudzi as well as Louis Mhlanga.
The Joburg Theatre Chief Executive Officer, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema said the celebrations aim at stimulating and rekindling the African renaissance that many African people have cherished.
“At its core these celebrations are more like a meeting of minds through words and the vibrant melodies of our continent, calling for us to continue to fight for democracy and freedom from all forms of oppression and exploitation,” she said.
A special curated programme entitled Africa South Voices featuring multi-talented women in music with the likes of South African singer Zmajobe, Thandi Ntuli on keyboard, singers Selmor and Tariro ne Gitare will be held during the concert.
In an interview with Sunday Life, Tariro ne Gitare said she was happy to be headlining a show with people that she looks up to. She said she hopes that she will get a few tips from some African legends that she will be sharing the stage with.
“I’m very excited to meet and work with these different artistes from the African continent. Being part of this event is also a confirmation that I am on the right track as much that I’m being recognised even across borders,” she said.
She said as a female artiste, Africa Day was a reminder that we have a rich heritage as Africans and it was her obligation to discover and share the greatest stories, myths and legends of Africa.
“Africa day affirms my identity and privilege of such a rich heritage. It also challenges me to write the kind of music that pushes and challenges the stereotypes of what an African can or can’t do,” she said.
