Dakawa Music Experience, Music Venue: Thomas Pringle Review By Sinesipho Habana The Dakawa Music Experience was an incredible three-night festival filled with vibrant Eastern Cape sounds and unforgettable moments. Featuring a diverse lineup of talented local musicians, the event showcased genres like jazz, gospel, hip-hop, reggae, maskhandi, and R&B. Audiences enjoyed electrifying performances from both established artists and fresh talent from the University of Fort Hare’s Artistic Support Programme. The atmosphere was lively and engaging, making it a celebration of music that catered to all tastes. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that left everyone buzzing with excitement.
Author: Sinesipho HABANA
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Siya Charles – Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz Venue: DSG Hall Review By Sinesipho Habana Last night, the hall at the Diocesan School for Girls was alive with the sounds of rhythm and horns as the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz, Siya Charles took to the stage, captivating the audience with her unique musical style. As a talented trombonist and bandleader, she delivered a performance that showcased her diverse influences and growing artistry. The concert featured a mindfully-curated setlist, blending elements of South African jazz. Charles, who grew up in Gqeberha, now a graduate of the Juilliard…
Little Giants, Jazz Venue: DSG Auditorium Interview By Sinesipho Habana At the heart of the National Youth Jazz Festival in Makhanda, musician Shaun Johannes, a founding member of the Little Giants, passionately discussed the profound impact of their work. Johannes reflects on how the Little Giants – with a career spanning 26 years – have been a symbol of hope for aspiring young musicians from the Cape Flats. “Performing at the National Youth Jazz Festival means everything to the Little Giants,” he said. “Our goal has always been to uplift previously oppressed township boys and girls, giving them a skill…
Jazz, Robin Fassie (RESURGENCE: pt.1 RESTRAINT) Venue: DSG Hall Interview By Sinesipho Habana Trumpeter Robin Fassie captured the audience’s attention with his innovative performance titled “Resurgence Pt. 1: Restraint.” As the nephew of the legendary Brenda Fassie, Robin has emerged from the shadows of musical royalty to carve his own path in the vibrant South African jazz scene. Having studied jazz at the University of Cape Town and the Grieg Academy in Norway, Fassie brings a unique perspective to his music. His latest work explores the concept of “flow”, emphasising the balance between improvisation and control. “We need to have some…
SABA MBIXANE MUSIC FESTIVAL, Arts & Culture Venue: Olive Schreiner By Sinesipho Habana Legendary maskandi musician Saba Mbixane who died tragically in a motorbike accident more than a decade ago was remembered at the National Art Festival 2025. The former Umhlobo Wenene Radio presenter who was 54 at the time of his death on 24 February 2015 was honoured and celebrated by NAF co- hosts, the Eastern Cape department of sport, recreation, arts and culture decided to rename the annual Maskandi Music Festival in memory of the Mount Frere born Mbixane. The event, held at the National Settlers Monument a week…
National Youth Jazz Festival, Jazz Venue: Diocesan School for Girls Interview By Sinesipho Habana The National Youth Jazz Festival, hosted at the Diocesan School for Girls in Makhanda, recently opened its doors for another year of musical exploration. With a rich history spanning 33 years, the Jazz Festival continues to evolve, fostering the next generation of musicians. This year, the Festival places a significant focus on student involvement, shifting from numerous international acts to providing high school bands a platform. The director of the National Youth Jazz Festival (NYJF) Alan Webster said, “Now you can see these are high school…
Letters to Gaza, Dance & Physical Theatre Venue: The Playhouse Mobile Stage, Village Green Interview By Sinesipho Habana In a powerful display of resilience and creativity, six youth artists from Tikinini, an Eastern Cape informal settlement, take centre stage in the moving dance-theatre work, Letters to Gaza. Directed by the acclaimed Chuma Sopotela, this performance captures the struggles and hopes of children affected by conflict, and draws parallels between the experiences of Gazan youth and those of South African communities. Letters to Gaza serves as a living testament to the strength and spirit of these young artists, who have…
Listen and Hear, Theatre Venue: Rehearsal Room Next Performance: Sunday 29 June 20:00 Interview By Sinesipho Habana The debut performance of Listen and Hear at the National Arts Festival, produced by Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch- Ngobeni was performed by the Postgraduate students of Tshwane University of Technology. This impressive production dives deep into the harsh realities of poverty while celebrating the indomitable spirit of hope embodied by a young girl named Toro. Set against the vibrant yet challenging backdrop of Cape Town’s Langa township, the show portrays the struggles faced by excluded communities. At the heart of the narrative is Toro,…
My Long Lost Father, Theatre Venue: Rehearsal Room Next Performance: Saturday 28 June 16:00 Interview By Sinesipho Habana Yesterday marked the highly-anticipated debut of My Long Lost Father at the 2025 National Arts Festival. It’s an emotional play that links a true story with imaginative narrative, delving into the complexities of identity, family, and the power of forgiveness. Produced by 25-year-old Malwande Menzile, this emotional narrative follows the journey of David, a young man who embarks on a quest to discover his roots after growing up without knowing his parents. The play opens with David, played by Themba Khumalo, driven…
Listen and Hear, Theatre Venue: Rehearsal Room Next Performance: Friday 27 June 14:00 Preview By Sinesipho Habana Listen and Hear, a captivating production by the Department of Performing Arts at Tshwane University of Technology, shines a light on the pressing issues of poverty and social inequality through the poignant story of a young girl named Toro. Set against the backdrop of Cape Town’s Langa township, the narrative unfolds during an unprecedented snowstorm on New Year’s Eve, highlighting the stark contrasts between hope and despair. Performed by a team of passionate educators and students, the production draws inspiration from the African…