Africa Day is for you
Africa Day – Giving a Voice to African Unity As a country, South Africa is probably best known for overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, and forging reconciliatory links where conflict and strife seemed the only outlet for expression. The events of the past few weeks have reinforced the need for bridge-building initiatives such as the Africa Day celebrations, and organisers have resolved that this year’s events will take place as planned. The weekend of 23, 24 & 25 May, is devoted to Africa Day celebrations, culminating in two free concerts held in Newtown’s Mary Fitzgerald Square (24 May) and Soweto’s Mofolo Park (25 May). The concerts have always attracted a widely diverse audience. One the key reasons for its success is that the shows enjoyed the support of nationals from all parts of the African continent. The Concert Goes On “The easy thing would be to cancel or postpone the shows, but we believe that now, more than ever, it is critical that South Africans and our brothers and sisters from the rest of the continent gather together on this auspicious anniversary to celebrate and honour the ties that bind us, the commonalities that make us one people.” explains Steven Sack director for Arts Culture and Heritage within the Department of Community Development, City of Joburg “It’s important to remember that Africa Day was founded to connect us to one another as a people. We want the concerts to be an exemplar of this principle – let it be a place and time where we can be part of turning the tide against the xenophobia, and remind ourselves that fundamentally, we’re all in this together. ” Safety and Security The unrest has also prompted the organisers of the Africa Day celebrations to bolster the safety and security set up of the event to allay any potential worries around security at the shows. Comments Graeme Dickson, Arts Alive Disaster Management Consultant “We are confident about our security plan, and working in close conjunction with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and the South African Police , have escalated the security and police presence to an appropriate level. “ As the preparations for the events continue, there is no doubt that, in keeping with our tradition of overcoming strife and challenges, the City of Johannesburg’s Africa Day 2008 celebrations will become part of a new story – one that tells of the triumph of compassion and Ubuntu over fear and...
‘BACK TO THE CITY’ Street Festival
Freedom day is on Sunday – we hope everyone is celebrating this special day, remembering our past, celebrating our vibrant present but also looking to the very promising future of South Africa. The second annual Street Festival is taking place in Newtown, so get amongst! On the morning of the 27th of April, a wave of urban youth will stream into downtown Newtown for the popular, annual Back to the City festival. Disciples and converts of the hip-hop movement will celebrate the art and urban culture through a day of live performances, street art, extreme sports and exhibitions. The one-day event was launched with critical acclaim from the hip-hop media and masses last year, winning accolades such as Hype magazine’s event of the year. The second edition promises more historic performances, boasting a Fiery line up of 22 mc’s, 10 dj’s, 8 graffiti crews and thousands of young people celebrating the birth of South Africa’s democracy. Cutting edge performers from various parts of the country will deliver hot commentary and entertainment in diverse indigenous languages while artists will be expressing their freedom in colours. This event will take place outside RITUAL STORES at corner Bree and Henry Nxumalo streets in Newtown. Aside from being entertained, audiences will get to attend an educational summit, which will be held at City Varsity. Hosted by the British Council, the workshops offer an exchange of knowledge. Individuals working in the mass media industry will cover topics such as publishing, distribution, recording, music videos, and independent vs. mainstream, entrepreneurship and advertising. Performances by: Zuluboy, Mo Molemi, Driemanskap, Prokid, Ben Sharpa, Fifi, Cuba, Hymphatic Thabs, Substance, The Scavengers, Koldproduk, Reason, Mawetu, The Anvilz, Damola, Bianca Williams, Abantu, The Federation, Zeus, DJ’s Kenzhero, KGB, Blaq T, Raiko, Soosh, Medicine, Graffiti Crews: PCP – MSE – SEC – FUK – IAP – TK – DS – UN ENTRANCE: FREE DATE: 27 April 2008, Freedom Day TIME: 10:00 – 23:00 PLACE: Ritual Stores Cnr Bree & Henry Nxumalo Street...
Catch Karl Gietl @ Afronova
Catch Karl Gietl’s solo exhibition at Afronova gallery in Newton opening on the 28 March. One for the road is Karl Gietl’s latest and finest offering in Johannesburg before he sets off to live and work in the South of France. The exhibition of paintings also features his recent short films and will coincide with the launch of his new monograph simply entitled One for the road. The book is published by Afronova with the kind support of Hollard. Exhibition runs until Saturday 19 April Gallery Hours Tuesday to Friday : 13 :00 to 19 :00 Saturday 13 :00 to 17 :00 Contact afronova@tiscali.co.za +27 (0) 83 726 59 06 The gallery is just across the Market Theatre entrance Safe parking corner Miriam Makeba and Gwigwi Mrwebi St – Newtown Po box 3205 – Parklands 2121 – Johannesburg – South...
Another beautiful Flyer from Unsound System
The only place to be on Saturday 8 March. Featuring one of Represent’s favourite DJ’s Adrian Loveland.
Catch Gonçalo Mabunda @ Afronova
Catch one of Mozi’s most talented and respected young artists Gonçalo Mabunda at the Afronova Gallery in Newtown. In this first solo show in Johannesburg, Mozambican artist Gonçalo Mabunda explores the cycles of destruction and regeneration in the process of creation and history, suggesting new symbols of universality and vitality. An internationally acclaimed artist, Mabunda deals with the fierce destruction of civil war in Mozambique by neutralizing its weapons and creating peaceful or cheerful sculptures. Read more about Gonçalo at his Vgallery: Started his studies in 1982 in Maputo City, and now has intermediate level. In 1992, began working in the Art Nucleus Association as gallery assistant, and currently working as Gallery manager. Also in 1992, began to paint. In 1995 participated in the Ujamaa IV Workshop as assistant to the south Africa artist Andries Botha. In 1996 participated in a course of metal and bronze sculpture for 3 months at the Tecknikon of Natal. Since 1997, full time artist. Exhibition runs until Saturday 16 February Gallery Hours Tuesday to Friday : 13 :00 to 19 :00 Saturday 13 :00 to 17 :00 Contacts e: afronova@tiscali.co.za w: www.afronova.com c: +27 (0) 83 726 59 06 The gallery is just across the Market Theatre entrance Safe parking corner Miriam Makeba and Gwigwi Mrwebi St – Newtown Po box 3205 – Parklands 2121 – Johannesburg – South...
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