File picture: ANA
A FESTIVAL will be held at the Diamond Oval cricket stadium in Kimberley on Heritage Day to celebrate musicians and songwriters.
The MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Desery Fienies, is expected to deliver the keynote address at the event on Saturday.
She will be accompanied by members of the executive council and the leadership of the Frances Baard and Sol Plaatje municipalities.
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture spokesperson Morapedi Sekhoane said Heritage Day coincided with the maiden Northern Cape Heritage Festival that would be held at the Diamond Oval later in the afternoon.
“Heritage Day celebrations will focus on South Africa’s indigenous music with a spotlight on isicathamiya music and its immense contribution to our sport, arts, culture and heritage especially for emigrant communities in hostels, townships and peri urban areas,” said Sekhoane.
He added that tribute would be paid to the 60th anniversary of the death of singer and songwriter Solomon Popoli Linda.
“He is best known as the composer of the song ‘Mbube’ which later became the popular music success ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ and gave its name to the Mbube style of isicathamiya acapella music.
“Heritage Month is also an opportunity to commemorate the centenaries of our late resistance and liberation struggle icons and honour to their contributions towards a free and democratic South Africa,” Sekhoane added.