Tears of joy and sadness were the order of the evening at the Guild Theatre on Saturday, when artists who had played a strong role in promoting the culture and heritage of the Eastern Cape were celebrated.
The fourth edition of the Eastern Cape Cultural Awards was hosted by the provincial department of sport, recreation, arts and culture. Directed by popular Engcobo-born actress Brenda Ngxoli and gospel singing sensation Reverend Nkomfa Mkhaliba, the proceedings kept the crowd of about 700 captivated over a period of seven hours.
More than 380 cultural practitioners were nominated, but there was only one winner in each of the 22 categories.
Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council vice-chair Jen Rowland said she and her team of seven adjudicators had undergone a labour intensive, two-day process assessing the nominations.
“We have gone through every single document and nomination submitted to us and each nomination received all the attention it deserved,” she said.
Daily Dispatch traditional affairs correspondent Lulamile Feni scooped the title of cultural journalist, while Xabisolethu won the drama script-writing category, Nosipho Mirriam-Ganiso for sign language development and promotion, and Nokuzola Mndende for heritage resources.
Other winners included the Slo Foot Jazz Band in the jazz group category, and Churchill Madikida for visual arts curation.
The night was filled with beautiful music from Mdantsane’s Sweet Voices of Africa Ensemble, Ntetheleleo Mposwa, Busi Smith and the Resident Band.
MEC Pemmy Majodina said: “I am personally honoured to be part of a department that develops, recognises, celebrates and honours its own cultural practitioners.”
The awards saw renowned knitwear fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa – whose designs can be seen on social media and are worn by world-renowned musicians Beyonce and Alicia Keys – scoop an MEC’s special award.
Another recipient of a special award was Dr Hleze Kunju, who completed his PhD in isiXhosa at Rhodes University. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
EC awards reach a high note
The fourth edition of the Eastern Cape Cultural Awards was hosted by the provincial department of sport, recreation, arts and culture. Directed by popular Engcobo-born actress Brenda Ngxoli and gospel singing sensation Reverend Nkomfa Mkhaliba, the proceedings kept the crowd of about 700 captivated over a period of seven hours.
More than 380 cultural practitioners were nominated, but there was only one winner in each of the 22 categories.
Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council vice-chair Jen Rowland said she and her team of seven adjudicators had undergone a labour intensive, two-day process assessing the nominations.
“We have gone through every single document and nomination submitted to us and each nomination received all the attention it deserved,” she said.
Daily Dispatch traditional affairs correspondent Lulamile Feni scooped the title of cultural journalist, while Xabisolethu won the drama script-writing category, Nosipho Mirriam-Ganiso for sign language development and promotion, and Nokuzola Mndende for heritage resources.
Other winners included the Slo Foot Jazz Band in the jazz group category, and Churchill Madikida for visual arts curation.
The night was filled with beautiful music from Mdantsane’s Sweet Voices of Africa Ensemble, Ntetheleleo Mposwa, Busi Smith and the Resident Band.
MEC Pemmy Majodina said: “I am personally honoured to be part of a department that develops, recognises, celebrates and honours its own cultural practitioners.”
The awards saw renowned knitwear fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa – whose designs can be seen on social media and are worn by world-renowned musicians Beyonce and Alicia Keys – scoop an MEC’s special award.
Another recipient of a special award was Dr Hleze Kunju, who completed his PhD in isiXhosa at Rhodes University. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
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