The Artscape is set to host the first official a cappella musical festival next month.
The Rainbow Arts Organisation will be organising the event and the organisation’s project manager, Buntu Jobela, said the festival was created after seeing the consistency and drive of a cappella groups who are singing tirelessly for commuters who are travelling by taxis in different ranks around Cape Town.
The festival will feature 20 musical groups that will have the opportunity to showcase their talents, promote their music and to create job opportunities for youth in the arts and culture sector.
Thy Will Be Done Artist Development, is one of the 20 groups that will be performing. The 50 strong group is self-funder and has members from across Philippi.
“Last year a demo festival was held in Delft. We came second. This time we want to be the winners of the first official festival at Artscape next month,” said the group's co-founder and musical director, Luthando Buffel.
“Our aim as a group is to create career development and use performing arts to get the youth of Philippi off the streets. We also run a soup kitchen and perform concerts for the entertainment of the community,” he said.
The festival which is sponsored by the National Arts Council will have three top prizes. The first prize will be R20 000, the second prize will be R10 000 and the third prize will be R5 000.
According to Jobela, the judging panel will consist of guest judges who will remain a secret until the festival.
“The festival will take place over three days at the Artscape, each day we will be cutting groups until the final day which will crown the ultimate winners of the prizes. Tickets will be available on Computicket and the Black Box Theatre in Delft for the daily performances of the festival.”
Speaking on behalf of Artscape Charles Banjatwa, said lovers of choral and gospel musical would enjoy this festival, and all those who enjoy music
“We look forward to hosting this exciting festival and we are excited to be the first but hope we will not be the last. music lovers will love it. Dancing and singing is on the cards and beautiful melodies. We are excited and we invite all music lovers to buy a ticket and support this festival.”