The first official a cappella musical festival is set to start at the Artscape next month.
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The event will be put together by the Rainbow Arts Organisation with project manager, Buntu Jobela, telling IOL that the festival was created after seeing the consistency and drive of a local cappella groups who are are singing for commuters, travelling by taxis in different ranks around Cape Town.
This eventl will feature 20 musical groups who have the opportunity to showcase their talents while promoting music, creating job opportunities for youth in the arts and culture sector.
The groups include “Thy Will Be Done Artist Development”, a 50- strong self-funding group that has members from across Philippi.
“Last year a demo festival was held in Delft. We came second. This time we want to be the winners of the first official festival at Artscape next month,” the group’s co-founder and musical director, Luthando Buffel, told IOL.
“Our aim as a group is to create career development and use performing arts to get the youth of Philippi off the streets. We also run a soup kitchen and perform concerts for the entertainment of the community,” he said.
Sponsored by the National Arts Council, the festival will offer three top prizes with the winner walking away with R20 000 and the runner-up pocketing R10 000. Third place will earn R5 000 for the group.
Jobela explained that the judging panel would consist of secret guest judges whose identities will only be revealed at the festival.
“The festival will take place over three days at the Artscape, each day we will be cutting groups until the final day which will crown the ultimate winners of the prizes. Tickets will be available on Computicket and the Black Box Theatre in Delft for the daily performances of the festival.”
Speaking on behalf of Artscape Charles Banjatwa, told IOL that lovers of choral and gospel musical would enjoy this festival, and all those who enjoy music
“We look forward to hosting this exciting festival and we are excited to be the first but hope we will not be the last. music lovers will love it. Dancing and singing is on the cards and beautiful melodies. We are excited and we invite all music lovers to buy a ticket and support this festival.”
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Picture: Cape{town}Etc Library