Eastern Cape music lovers can sweat off a few Christmas calories at the popular annual music festival, London Roots on Goodwill Day.
The spectacle, which is in its fourth year, has moved from the Cambridge Police Park to the bigger Buffalo City Stadium.
Organiser Nikita Manqoyi said they were expecting thousands. Among the artists billed are colourful choreographer Somizi, singer-songwriter Busiswa and rappers Kwesta and Riky Rick.
Manqoyi said the London Roots concept caters mostly for young urban professionals who come back home to the Eastern Cape at the end of the year.
“We started in 2015. We had a slow start and we realised that people from East London support those they know. We had to market ourselves and make ourselves known, and with that we have witnessed growth in numbers and support from the East London community. We are in the final stages of our planning; we can say that we are almost ready,” he said.
Manqoyi said they had kept an open mind about the people who will be attending the event by putting together a wide variety of artists to cater for the different genre tastes.
“We are striving to create a good production, one which is worth the money,” he said.
Somgaga, as he is known, will co-host the event with a local artist. “We have a new face appearing with Somizi. Masinga is a student here in East London who is passionate about arts and film.”
TV show host and rap artist Nomuzi Mabena said: “I am very excited about performing at the London Roots. East London is always abuzz during this time of the year and the energy is really dope.
“It’s going to be a whole lot of fun and I look forward to performing my new album.”
East London-born Deejay Welo was equally excited about being part of the lineup.
“I am excited about this year’s London Roots festival.
“I’m expecting a lot of numbers as the event has grown over the years. It’s now moving from Police Park to the Buffalo City Stadium and from my side people can expect a killer set as usual.”
Other artists that will take to the stage are the legendary kwaito group Trompies, Mozile, DJ Claude, PH Mshayi, Pastor the DJ, DJ Minty, Slogan Native Bands, Admix and LT, Stix, Urban Breeze and Thembi Mona.
Manqoyi said ticket sales were doing really well and that they were confident that this year’s event will be bigger and better.
General tickets are R200 at Computicket and R250 at the gate, while VIP tickets cost R600. A cooler box costs R100.
Manqoyi said: “There will be strictly no glasses or bottles allowed. Only cans are allowed.”
Gates open at midday...