The sixth annual Masibuyelembo Cultural Blast will bring a huge blast of music to the sleepy little town of KwaBhaca on Saturday.
Umzimvubu municipality, together with the Saba Mbixane Foundation, will host a star-studded lineup featuring Lady Zamar, DJ Tira, Busiswa, DJ Maphorisa, Khaya Dladla (GC), Khuzani, Marabhula, and Amawele kamamTshawe.
The festival is predominantly a cultural extravaganza, which was initiated by the late Umhlobo Wenene FM radio presenter Saba Mbixane, who was a resident of KwaBhaca.
However, with the ever-changing trends in music, Umzimvubu municipality has included a range of genres which will accommodate local artists.
Umzimvubu council speaker Sobane Mnukwa said the municipality started the festival five years ago together with Mbixane to develop young maskandi artists from the area.
“This festival also seeks to boost the Umzimvubu economy and attract tourists and visitors from other provinces.”
The festival will bring people together to rejoice and celebrate this special time of the year.
“The municipality plans to empower and integrate a home grown cultural experience whereby a series of artists and entertainers are expected to deliver unforgettable moments to the crowds on the day,” said Mnukwa.
Mbixane, who died at 54, was South Africa’s most beloved and celebrated champion of indigenous music, specifically maskandi.
He was the undisputed hero for many of the station’s three million people throughout South Africa who tuned into his traditional music programmes for 30 years.
He hosted shows such as Siwelithukela and the widely celebrated maskandi show Lavuthibhayi.
Mbixane died in a motorbike accident on 2015.
The festival will be held in Sophia Park, KwaBhaca from 5pm until the next morning. Gates will be opened from 1pm.
Tickets will be available from Computicket and local fuel stations in KwaBhaca.
Normal entry will cost R150, golden circle tickets R250 and R200 for VIP seating...