By Lesedi Setlhodi

Bloemfontein – It becomes greater, finer and draws thousands of crowds annually. This year the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) celebrates 16 years of existence from the 4th – 13th October. This annual festival caters for performances of music, theatre, dance, live art and so much more.  

The festival has become one of the biggest events in the arts carnival and on countless South African’s calendars.

The city that is regarded as the heart of South Africa, last year alone attracted 160 000 festivity lovers from all over the country. This year’s lineup with no doubt will raise the bar again as international artists R&B Veteran Anthony Hamilton and R&B and pop singer Keri Hilson from the United States of America (USA) will be serenading their fans.

Macufe roisterers will also get to see live performances from their very own South African icons, Zonke, Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, Hugh Masikela, Peter Thwala and Jimmy Dludlu. The list does not leave out other entertainers, Khaya, Thoko, Maleh, Sipho Mabuse and Dj What What. 

Astounding shows that have made a permanent feature during the Macufe include the indoor jazz, macufe comedy, macufe gospel concert, Divas concert and of course the Main Music festival which takes place on Saturday. To wrap it all up on Sunday all routes lead to the Free State Stadium also known as Vodacom Park to witness the annual clash feature between Kaizer Chiefs (Glamour boys) and the club that has the most patriotic fans in the country, Bloemfontein Celtic (Siwelele). 

Over 16 000 fans filled up the stadia last year and this year the organisers are expecting the numbers of supporters to escalate. 

The MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation in the Free State, Dan Kgothule pointed out that his department is always in support of this festival and that it strongly promotes arts and culture in South Africa. 

“The vision of the Department of Arts and Culture is to develop and preserve South African culture to ensure social cohesion and nation building, develop and promote arts and culture” said Kgothule.-TDN

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