BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE inaugural Mahika Mahikeng music and cultural festival lived to the billing as it brought a lot of entertainment to Mahikeng over the weekend.

The three-day concert started at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Friday with live performances from some of the best musicians in the country.

North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo said that the festival was aimed at transforming Mahikeng into one of the arts and cultural hubs in the country.

Mahumapelo said that the festival will stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities for those in the music and arts industry.

“Mahika Mahikeng will also promote tourism product in the province. The platform develops local artists and also gives opportunity to Setswana culture to broader audience. We want to make sure that the communities across the province have an opportunity to come and sell their crafts to the masses.

“The music festival started as a three-day show and it will gradually be grown into an eight-day festival. We want it to be an eight day musical festival. The aim was to uplift the face of Mahikeng as a capital city. Mahikeng is unkempt, untidy and in need of a facelift. We want vibrancy within the city. We want the city to be amongst the best in the country,” he said.

Local artists like KB Motsilanyane and Bucie Nqwiliso applauded the concept.

Bucie said: “As local artists from the province, we want to applaud the premier, Supra Mahumapelo for endorsing the festival. It is long overdue because North West artists used to be brought together like through Taung Cultural Calabash and other events. We need the leadership of Mahumapelo’s calibre. The province has potential to conquer the world with its craft. The Mahika Mahikeng and other festivals will boost the economy growth within the province. As an artist, we are happy to come and present what we have back at home.”

Mahika Mahikeng, which was in the mould of Macufe, will be an annual event.

World renowned artists like Nathi, Tshedi Mholo, Bonolo, Donald, The Soil and others graced the event.

On Saturday, artists like Cassper Nyovest, HHP, Tuks, Notshi, Mo Molemi, Rick Ricky and many more came forth.

R&B singer, Keabetswe Motsilanyane said: “The impact Mahika Mahikeng festival will have in the lives of ordinary people will be awesome. Local business persons can come and sell their crafts to the world. It is also a platform for local and upcoming artists to showcase their talents. There is also a fashion show that is taking place, so is not all about music.

“As the premier said, they want to form Mahikeng into arts and culture hub. The initiative augurs well because it will also boost the tourism product. People from various areas will flock to the city and spend their money here,” she said.

The festival was held at Lotlamoreng dam in Mahikeng on Saturday and Sunday.

-TDN

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