Mountain valley alive with music

MOGALE City, west of Johannesburg, which is well known for its peaceful and quiet lodges, will have its peace disturbed for a good reason next month.

A major music festival, which mixes Afro-jazz musicians with their kwaito counterparts, will take place in the area after a long wait.

The Mogale Arts Festival - Musical Echoes in the Mountain Valley is definitely a must-see musical feast.

I should know because I went to the inaugural one about five years ago. Many a music fan enjoyed themselves at this festival, and I must have gone to sleep at about 4am the following day after a night of heavy partying.

Those memories are still etched in my mind.

But for some reason the promoters of the show decided to deny us another chance of partying for years.

And when the promoters say Mogale City is fast becoming the playground of discerning live music follower, who are seeking unusual places to enjoy a potpourri of kwaito, gospel, Afro-pop, contemporary jazz and hip-hop artists on one stage, they are not exaggerating.

With its surrounding natural amenities that become a backdrop for one of South Africa's most spectacular festivals straddling North West and Gauteng , the Mogale Arts Festival brings a world of culture to the Cradle of Humankind.

• On February 26 Mogale City - also known as the Unicity - will showcase its cultural heritage with a carnival where residents of Krugersdorp, Kagiso, Muldersdrift, Munsieville, Tarlton, Hekpoort, Magaliesburg, Azaadville, and the industrial areas of Chamdor, Factoria and Boltonia will present a parade spectacle bespeaking the destination's diversity.

The carnival parade begins at 10am and culminates with a live performance by midday in Krugersdorp.

• The next day, on February 27, a strong line-up boasting the likes of Keke Ntando, Jaziel Brothers, DJ Cleo, HHP, Black Coffee, Hugh Masekela, Simphiwe Dana, Joyous Celebration, Lvovo, Big Naz, Professor, Tira, Fisherman, Stimela, Tkzee, Ringo, Caiphus and Letta Mbulu, and Theo will keep the audiences enthralled from 11am to 10pm at Ngonyama Lion Lodge.

Previously staged with financial assistance from the municipality, the festival has demonstrated its sustainability by attracting new funders such as the Department of Arts and Culture. This year it is sponsored by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

The programme is further enhanced by the financial assistance of the National Arts Council of South Africa.

This portion of the sponsorship will enable the festival to develop and stage a carnival in the city centre (Krugersdorp) as a precursor.

"The Jazz Foundation invites you to witness a living heritage; set in spectacular African bush," foundation chief executive Oupa Salemane says.

"Mogale Arts Festival is an ideal people and destination development initiative that proves that it is possible to use the best qualities of a destination such as Mogale City, where we can optimise on a perfect natural canvas to paint a musical heritage," he says.

Tickets can be bought at Computicket and refreshments will be sold. For the corporate sector, marquees and VIP catering will be provided.