The Alliance Française of Johannesburg, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), and Bassline Live, in partnership with the Market Theatre Foundation, are proud to announce the seventh edition of the Fête de La Musique – the iconic global celebration of music that annually warms winter calendars in Johannesburg and celebrates the universal language of music.
Officially announced June 9, the date is highly notable, as for one day Newtown comes alive with festivity, bringing families and friends together for good food, fun activities and, above all, free music for the entire day.
With a countrywide application process having been under way for the past two months, six stages will now be filled with the best in professional and amateur musicians and bands, all encouraged to perform, entertain, express themselves, and continue generating music for future generations.
The Fête de la Musique is part of their heritage portfolio, which is dedicated to supporting and advancing the cultural and artistic endeavour across multiple disciplines.
“Total South Africa is excited to, once again be a partner in bringing French and South African culture together at this unique event,” said Nyameka Makonya, the CSI manager of Total.
“As a French business operating in South Africa, it is essential to support events that unify our heritage and demonstrate the opportunities that our commitment and collaboration in the arts creates for all South Africans.”
The Fête de la Musique was created in 1982 at the initiative of Jack Lang, then French Minister of Culture. The idea of organising a free music evening was made a reality by Maurice Fleuret, the director of music and dance, who observed that one child out of two in France played a musical instrument.
Throughout the country and abroad, jazz, soul, funk, rock, electro, reggae, classical music and many other musical styles are enthusiastically celebrated by amateurs and professional musicians.
The Fête de la Musique has become one of the country’s greatest cultural events and an international phenomenon. It is celebrated in June in no less than 700 cities in the world in 120 countries, including South Africa. It allows millions of people to discover new musical trends from traditional music to rap, hip hop, techno, world music, musical carnival and so much more.
In South Africa, the first Fête de la Musique was inaugurated in 2010 in Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth. The second one took place the following year at Arts on Main in Johannesburg.
Last year it drew last year more than 30 000 music lovers in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, East London and other cities.
This year it will take place now in the Newtown historical cultural hub.
The Fête de la Musique is one of the fastest growing festival brands in South Africa, attracting every year more and more people each year.