The 17-year-old annual Macufe Festival opens on October 3 in Bloemfontein with a show that reflects Tshepe, which is a rap sound that is unique to the Free State. It will be presented in the form of a battle of DJs and will feature Tsepe, the ever popular Cashtime and the American warblings of T-Bo Touch.
This year, there is also a strong comedy line-up which will take place on October 8. This includes Marc Lottering, Kroonstad-born David Kau, who will obviously be representing the Free State, his friend Joey Rasdien, and Skhumba Hlope. Hlope is best known as SABC1’s Mzansi Insider presenter.
Music reaches a higher level when Sibongile Khumalo ( pictured, top right) and Jimmy Dludlu share the stage with US guitarist Earl Klugh at the Indoor Jazz on October 9.
There is the popular Divas Concert on October 10 and it features Zahara, Choko, Grammy Award-winner Chrisette Michele and Chantay Savage.
The big concert takes place at the Rose Gardens on Saturday, October 11. It features a big line-up: there is Mafikizolo, Jonas Gwangwa and Thandiswa Mazwai. There is also a strong jazz angle with McCoy Murbata, Paul Hanmer, Feya Faku, Herbie Tsoali and Dan Laka.
Max-hoba is making a rare appearance, but with that voice, is bound to be a highlight. Sibongile Khumalo, Zahara and Jimmy Dludlu put in a second appearance at Macufe.
Then, as usual, the festival ends with the popular Macufe Cup on Sunday, where Bloemfontein Celtics play Kaizer Chiefs. Ticket prices for that soccer match range from R30 for under-12s to R2 166 for VIPs.
Macufe is sponsored by the Free State’s Sports and Arts department, the Department of Arts and Culture, the Mangaung Municipality, the National Arts Council and Free State Tourism.