National Arts Festival

Celebrating Creativity at The National Arts Festival 2024

By Fiona Wakelin and Naledi Mokoena

In 2024 the National Arts Festival (NAF) celebrated its 50th year of giving creatives a platform to celebrate the fabric of their talents. This vibrant expression of creativity is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, showcasing a diverse range of performances and exhibitions.

It took place from 20-30 June and, as usual, was held in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, bringing together thousands of artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, directors and producers. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest and most significant arts festivals in Africa.

Here's A Glimpse of What Took Place This Year:

The World Premiere of Third World Bunfight's, The Stranger

Script, design and direction: Brett Bailey with the music of Nkosenathi Koela.

THE STRANGER is set in a dystopian contemporary city: humdrum, grinding, materialistic and bigoted. A gifted musician arrives from across the national border; his music is transformational: it unifies people, shifts their priorities, brings the natural world into focus, and reveals an underlying harmony in the universe. Eventually, when his message is deemed threatening to the status quo, he is murdered by a xenophobic mob.

A Tribute To Artists Passed By Mandla Mbotwe

Mandla Mbothwe pays homage to the departed with a tribute to the lives of the South African artists we have lost (2020-2024) in his new work Izandi zemilambo yabo kuthi/ the sounds of their rivers in us; commissioned by the Festival to commemorate its 50th anniversary. An installation with sonic activations, the work creates a ritualistic place where past and present converge, brought to life as a sanctuary, reflection and to honour memory and legacy.

Zoe Mogida

This jazz songstress serenaded her supporters with her beloved debut album Yellow: The Novel,the celebrated, award-winning sophomore album Inganekwane, and the highly anticipated new release Nomthandazo. She describes her offering drawing inspiration from her real stories and perspectives on discovering her higher self, loss, and love.

1789 By Sibikwa Arts Centre

A theatrical masterpiece celebrating Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

Experience the Revolutionary Power of “1789". This is an extraordinary journey into the heart of revolution - the world-renowned play originally brought to life by Ariane Mnouchkine and Théâtre du Soleil featuring the gripping tale of resilience and rebellion in the tumultuous streets of Paris during the French Revolution.

Unlimited

Unlimited oozes with the vibrant energy of South African flair and AI, narrating a story of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of artistic dreams. Hosted at Graeme College, at the heart of the performance is a dancer whose aspirations are abruptly halted by an unforeseen injury. Yet, in the face of this adversity, this production unveils a technological marvel that transcends limitations, igniting the indomitable spirit of creativity.

Umbhiyozo Womculo: A Celebration of Music

Established in 2022 by Makhanda-based clarinettist and Rhodes University lecturer Jenny Brand, the Cape Reeds Clarinet Quintet brings together professional clarinettists from various regions along the Cape.

The Cape Reeds Clarinet Quintet presents "Umbhiyozo Womculo: A Celebration of Music, took place at the Rhodes music department. This festival premiere is a music concert featuring the quintet. Brand's vision was to create a group that performs exciting works written and commissioned for the clarinet quintet, offering a unique and special chamber music experience.