TEN days of the greatest and finest arts, culture, entertainment and sports programming is on offer at this year’s Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) from the 03 October to 12 October 2014.
Held annually around Bloemfontein, the event can be dubbed Christmas in October for mostly Mangaung small and big businesses that get presented with opportunities for enhanced economic activity.
“MACUFE continues to be a significant brand for the Free Sate province as it is a catalyst for promoting economic growth; is a perfect platform to showcase emerging talent while promoting sport and tourism in the province,” said Free State MEC for Sport, Art, Culture & Creation, Mrs. Mmathabo Leeto. “Teamwork between Mangaung Municipality, the Tourism Authority and PACOFS ensures Macufe’s presentation improves with each edition. This year we intend to explore the Park and Ride facilities so as to avoid congestion that is usually brought about by the massive numbers that flock to Macufe.”
With the theme “20 Years of Melodi Ya Tokoloho”, the event also present an early festive atmosphere for cultural tourists who are treated to exciting and great talent in music, arts, craft, fashion, comedy, poetry and sports. Headlining the festival are award winning acts such as Mafikizolo, Jonas Gwangwa, Ringo, Thandiswa Mazwai, Zahara, Sibongile Khumalo, McCoy Mrubata, Paul Hanmer , Feya Faku, Herbie Tsoaeli, Don Laka with Botshabelo Strings, Jimmy Dludlu, Max-Hoba,Victor Kgantlape, Press, Choko and Oliver Mtukudzi.
Coming from across the seas are United States of America’s Chrisette Michele payne, Earl Klugh and Chantay Savage. Klugh is scheduled to share the stage with Jimmy Dludlu at the intimate Macufe Indoor Jazz. Grammy Award-winner, R&B and soul singer-songwriter, Chrisette Michele Payne promises to rock her Mzansi fans especially with her song “Be OK” which won her a Grammy Award for Best Urban /Alternative Performance. The daughter of a jazz musician, R&B vocalist Chantay Savage grew up in Chicago raised on the sounds of jazz and soul legends like Sarah Vaughn, Chaka Khan, and Marvin Gaye. Inspired by the music around her, Savage began her performing career in earnest when she entered an open mic contest at a local club. Not only did she win the contest eight times, she parlayed this success into gigs, singer and songwriter with artists like CeCe Peniston.
As per custom the event will conclude with the popular Macufe cup that sees PSL team Bloemfontein Celtics play Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday 12th October at Free-State Stadium.
As a lead-up to the main event, the City of Roses will be hosting arts exhibitions, indoor performances, comedy festival and sporting activities where visitors to the popular entertainment destination can enjoy a variety of inspired holidays.
Macufe’s events never fail to sell out; so patrons are advised to book their tickets and make early accommodation arrangements so as to enjoy a stress free event.
Macufe is proudly supported by the Free State’s Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation department, National Department of Arts and Culture, Mangaung Municipality, National Arts Council and Free State Tourism.
