Monday was one of the hardest day and laziest morning for many music lovers who attended the 3rd annual Mahika Mahikeng Music and Cultural Festival,as they were still receovering from a four day festival .The music festival showcased the cream of African talent, especially in Bokone Bophirima. Festival featured jazz, gospel, hip-hop, R&B, Motswako, as well as comedy show, dance, drama, musical theatre, poetry, fine art and traditional arts and crafts. The festival aimed at promoting cultural and heritage tourism in the province as well as to celebrate the local artists from the region with the rest of the festival goers.
This festival meets the objectives of the Rebranding intent of the Province and aligned to the Rebranding, Reposition and Renewal of Mahikeng and also will boost the economy growth within the province for those in the music and arts industry.
The festival kicked off on Thursday, 7 December with a colourful Carnival and a Gospel concert, headlined by the Gospel Powerhouse, Joyous Celebration choir which brought us closer to heaven and left us reminded that not once not even twice but many times God’s mercy has been with us.
On the second day of Mahika Mahikeng, about 18 000 hip hop lovers came to be part of the historic home coming edition, came to see the heights which just came home for the first time in seven years since its inception in Jozi. The Heights have never been hosted in Mafikeng before, even though the aim of the event is to showcase and celebrate Motswako rap. The star-studded line-up included the country’s biggest Hip Hop acts and MCs which included some classic reunions on stage such as Morafe and TBO Touch & Bonang who hadn’t shared a stage together in 8 years.
Maftown Heights co-founder, Khuli Chana explained that the importance of having Maftown Heights to Mahikeng this year, where the number 8 signifies new beginnings, is unwavering. This was the best Maftown Heights instalment yet. “The artist line-up included Maftown artists, such as Khuli Chana, Tuks, HHP, Morafe and JR. There were also many national artists and DJs who performed at the event, including Okmalumkoolkat, Kwesta, Ricky Rick, KO, AKA, Emtee, Shekhinah, and Da L.E.S., Destruction Boyz and Ms Cosmo. Bonang ‘Queen B’ Matheba, T-bo touch and Staon were the hosts.
On a third day of the festival comedy giant, David Kau and other comedians, such as Vuyo Jiya, Siya Seya, Kagiso Magodi, Thabang ER and Theho Khakhau proved to us during the comedy night at the Mmabatho convention centre that a smile is a curve that sets everything straight and laughter is good medicine for our body and souls .
If the radio sport giant, Cebo Manyapelo, was still alive, he would have declared the final day of the Mahika Mahikeng -Jazz Festival, which took place at the Mmabatho stadium “Letsatsi leo gojewang sebe motshegare go sena ditlhong”.When translated in English it simply means that he would have declared the last day of the festival as the day individuals are allowed to sin day light without being a shamed. The festival ended on a higher note with sizzling performances by Amanda Black, Zonke, Mafikizolo, Vusi Nona, Thebe, Zahara, Sjava, Tshedi Mholo, Bonolo Molusiwa, and the legendary couple Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu and many more.With his charasmetic charm on stage SmoGaga’s presence was undeniable, he added sauce and to brought sizzling to the jazz
Photo cred: Lebo Telex- Creative boys MFK Media Empire
