MPUMALANGA TO CELEBRATE IT’S DIVERSE CULTURAL HERITAGE
By Thulane Madalane
Pienaar – Department of Arts, Sport and Recreation in Mpumalanga has launched the 8th edition of the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience in Pienaar Msogwaba at the swanky night club called Spy 2 Sky owned by a popular radio and club DJ Madumane. The launch was attended by media houses and creatives across the province, key amongst them was Rise FM presenter Kedibone Mkhabela, DJ Sdunkero, Pensela, Brendan and many more. MEC Thandi Shongwe was conspicuous by her absence due to other official commitments however she delegated her Head of Department Mr Godfrey Ntombela who outlined eight pillars of this year’s festivities and emphasized the importance of celebrating Mpumalanga’s diverse cultural heritage, “this annual event has become a pivotal event in our province’s calendar, celebrating our diverse cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion among the people of Mpumalanga” said Ntombela.
This event was incepted in 2016 and it has bolstered the economic growth of the province,” since its inaugural year in 2016, the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience has been a catalyst for economic growth, showcasing local talent, and bolstering tourism in our province” quipped Ntombela.
.Ntombela in his address also assured his captive audience that this year’s installment will allow creatives space to express themselves “ Members of the Media, let me assure you that in this year’s instalment, we aim to ensure that our creatives find space to express their craft and to ensure that this is done in a coordinated manner.” Stated Ntombela. Msogwaba Traditional Council was represented Chief Nkosi who encouraged the department to preserve the local talent by organizing lot of talent expression competitions, “ We have many local talented young people who need the support of the department to reach stardom level, I suggest that the department should organize more competitions with the view of unearthing more talent in our province” concluded Chief Nkosi. The other significant milestone was tha of Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards celebrating their 10th anniversary under this theme “ Decade Of Grace”. The CEO of the awards Mr Sandile Ngobe announced the top billing performance by some of the grits of the gospel music, “ am glad to announce that as we celebrate our 10th anniversary some of our of top billing performers will include the legends of gospel music, l am talking about Bishop Benjamin Dube, Derek Nzimamdze and many more” concluded Ngobe.
The festivities for 8th edition of Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience will include the following pillars;
• Traditional Xperience at Mathibela Traditional Authority Bushbuckridge on the 25th November 2023, with a total of 22 artists
• Carnival Xperience at the Promenade Centre in Mbombela on the 1st December 2023, with a total of 22 groups including 2 from the Kingdom of eSwatini and Mozambique respectively.
• Kasi Xperience at Siya Bar in KaBokweni, Mbombela on 1st December 2023, with a total of 22 artists
• Choral Xperience at Lukwatini Community Hall, Chief Albert Luthuli on 2nd December 2023 Lukwatini Hall.
• Soul Session Xperience at Mbombela Botanical Garden in Mbombela on the 3rd December 2023, with 18 artists
• FILM XPERIENCE at Sasol Club Secunda, Govan Mbeki on the 9th December 2023.
• International Xperience 9th December 2023 Mbombela Communio Church
• GOSPEL Awards Xperience in Mbombela stadium on the 10th December 2023.
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