Revellers and partygoers from in and around the former Transkei will be treated to a number of events over the holidays including music festivals, picnics and a carnival.
The fifth annual Native’s Summer Party on Boxing Day (Day of Goodwill) promises to be bigger than ever before with more components added to the event, including a food and fashion market that will be headlined by award-winning and internationally acclaimed Laduma Ngxokolo, of Maxhosa Clothing.
Organiser Zwelinzima “DJ PK” Dweba said the event had become such an important feature on Mthatha’s entertainment calendar over the years that more people have been keen to come home for the festive season.
“We started this event especially for Mthatha natives who now live in other parts of the country, hence the name. “Last year we had over 10,000 people attend and this year we are expecting 15,000,” said Dweba, adding that the event has moved to a bigger venue at the newly refurbished Mthatha Stadium.
He said the event had one of the best line-ups of the festive season and it was not just about the music, but also promoting a healthy and social lifestyle.
The event kicks off with a bootcamp from 6am to 11am on the day, followed by the food and fashion fair. A biker show will be held alongside the main music event at 12pm.
The line-up includes Sjava, Busiswa, DJ Tira, AKA, Naak Musiq and will be hosted by Zodwa Wabantu and popular Lockdown actress Zola Nombona. Tickets are available at Computicket for R250 general access and R750 VIP.
Cost of tickets is R300 and R800 at the gate.
Another event that will encourage Mthatha locals to head back home, is the second annnual Xhosa Carnival presented by the AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu and the Xhosa Kingdom.
Organiser Nandi Mtsokoba said the event was such a huge success last year that this year’s edition would be a two-day extravaganza starting on December 27. “We always start with a serminar that is themed around family life and values.
“We also have fun activities for the children like traditional games and story-telling. We will also showcase traditional attires because we found that some people still don’t know what the correct Xhosa attire is,” said Mtsokoba.
The two-day event will be held at the Nqadu Great Place in Willowvale with free entry on December 27. Performing artists include Ringo Madlingozi, Ntando and hosts will be Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Mafa Bavuma and renowned actress Brenda Ngxoli.
The second day incorporates the picnic at the Village Lifestyle Centre in Dutywa. Tickets at R150 are available at Computicket. Headliners include Naak Musiq, Lvovo and Berita...