Sundowners, Concerts
Next Show: 3 July 2025 17:00
Venue: Settlers Monument
Review
By Zoliswa Mdawini
Not sure what to watch at the Festival? Sundowners could be your perfect guide! They’re a fun, long-standing Festival tradition where artists get to showcase their incredible talents. These free, daily concerts take place in a public space inside the Monument from 5 pm, giving you a taste of what’s on offer.
“This is my second Festival, and I’m loving it just as much as the first time. Every experience is unique. That’s the great thing about the Festival,” says Zachary Esau from I Don’t Believe in Dinosaurs.
Usivuyile and Asigcina are nine-year-olds who attend the National Arts Festival with their grandmother. While she sells hats and Xhosa beads, they stand outside the Monument as statues every day and later catch the Sundowners performances. “We love arts, and we watch these shows every day before we go home,” says Usivuyile.
Sundowners has something for everyone. One show, I Don’t Believe in Dinosaurs, gave the audience a fun taste of what’s to come. “It’s a kiddies’ show, but it’s also fun for adults,” says Erin Gemmel from the production.
The UCT production Mqambi weNyembezi Vuka also touched many souls with their performance. Lukho Noyile, the Director of the show says, “We speak about the concept of finding your identity, the absence of a paternal father in Initiation School, and how that affects the man we’re trying to build from a boy.”
Local artists also had their moment to shine. From children to adults, everyone is given an opportunity to showcase their talents.
“These concerts are a great way to discover new acts and enjoy the vibrant Festival atmosphere,” said Mihlali, who came to watch these shows from Tantyi location.
“Support the arts. There are so many kids’ shows like ours, but also comedy, drama, and it really unearths talent in the country that you don’t see anywhere else but at the Festival,” said Zachary.
