Bloemfontein’s annual Mangaung Arts Cultural Festival , taking place from the 4th to the 13th of October 2013. The biggest cultural festival in Africa and affectionately dubbed “Macufe,” the festival has since inception in 1997, prided itself in providing the best of both African and international artists in the process of gaining international acclaim. This year promises to be yet another exciting sensation, boasting a glittering line-up including international artists Keri Hilson and Anthony Hamilton.
“The Free State Provincial Government has always managed to outdo itself year after year with Macufe, making this one of the most exciting weekends for Bloemfontein. The city takes on almost an entirely different person, coming alive more than ever with locals and tourists alike who are always eager to take in blend of sounds, tastes, sights, and any number of intriguing activities from cultural events to sporting activities and many a musical performance,” said Debbie Damant, the Country Manager for Southern Africa for South African Tourism.
The line-up does not disappoint, with many South Africa’s best entertainers and acts set to take the stage. Lira, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, Mafikizolo, Zonke, Khuli Chana, and DJ Tira are amongst those billed to perform. In addition, festival-goers can expect to see the likes of Black Motion, DJ Christos, Ralf GUM, Big Nuz and Vinny Da Vinci rocking out to eager fans.
In keeping with the tradition developed over the years, the Macufe Golf Challenge will be held on the first day of the Festival. In addition, this year’s Festival is set to feature, as its intro into the week, a SeSotho hip hop vs. Motswako (Setswana Hip Hop) night. Revellers can also look forward to Macufe Rock Festival, Gospel Concert and Macufe Boxing. From 7th – 11th October, attendees have the chance to experience Craft Markets, Development Performances and even a Comedy night ahead of the Macufe Indoor Jazz Festival. The Jazz Festival will take place on Thursday 10th October and amongst those billed to perform are Anthony Hamilton, Hugh Masekela, and Judith Sephuma.
The now infamous Macufe Youth Festival will be held on Friday 11th October at the Bloemfontein Show Grounds, with artists including Black Coffee, Zakes Bantwini, Ralf Gum and Vinny da Vinci set to keep the young at heart entertained throughout the night. The same evening will also see the Diva’s Concert held at The Dome at Old Grey Sports Grounds, with acts including featuring Zonke, Kerri Hilson, Thandiswa Mazwai and Maleh as the perfect build up to the main event.
The Main Music Festival is set to take place at Loch Logan Rose Garden on Saturday 12th October. Anthony Hamilton, Kerri Hilson, Mafikizolo, Jimmy Dludlu, Lira and Sipho “Hotsticks” Mabuse will once more take the stage as the perfect climax to the ever popular Festival and proving once more the true calibre of local and international talent the city of Bloemfontein plays host to.
Macufe is expected to come to a brilliant close on Sunday 13thOctober as local soccer sensations Bloemfontein Celtics are pitted against current South African Premier League title holders, Kaizer Chiefs. Avid football fans will watch on as the Celtics try to retain their Macufe Cup title.
Concluded Damant, “Macufe has a long history of captivating the hearts of Batswana travellers into SA and we hope this year will prove no different. It’s truly an incredible opportunity to visit the stellar offerings of Bloemfontein, with something for everyone in the family.”
For more information on the Macufe Festival and tickets please visit www.macufe.co.za