A favourite on the KZN events calendar is the Midmar Music Festival (MMF), which takes place on New Year’s Eve near Howick.
Attracting thousands of festival-goers over the past few years, the MMF has grown to become one of the biggest music festivals in the province.
Tonight attended the launch of the MMF 2013.
As the host for the event, Nongcebo McKenzie welcomed the media.
The exciting line-up includes Mafikizolo, Big Nuz, Donald, Bongo Maffin, The Soil, DJ Tira, and Naima Kay.
The founder of the festival, Velaphi Mphande, said: “We started five years ago and there was nothing.
“Since 2009/10, the numbers just grew. We are boasting an event that brings 15 000 to 20 000 people here each year. Rain or sunshine, people are dancing till the morning.
“Also, the festival creates plenty of jobs. From Christmas Day to January 3, more than 400 people have job opportunities.
“MMF is a music festival, it’s not just jazz. It features different genres and also showcases maskandi artists. Every year, we like to be innovative and try new things.
“We are partnered by Ukhozi FM and will give bursaries to three tertiary students over three years. We realise we cannot help the whole country at once, but this is the first step.
“We have also identified two primary schools to receive 150 school uniforms next year.”
Mphande said the MMF focuses on fun and entertainment to attract residents as well as people on holiday in KZN.
• The MMF takes place at the Midmar Dam on December 31. General tickets R160, VIP R450. For information, visit www. midmarmusicfesti val.co.za