Monday 25 May is #AfricaDay2015, which commemorates the establishment of the African Union (AU), the sucessor to the Organisation of African Unity. Africa Day was initiated as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate Africa’s history, heritage and culture. This year marks the 52nd Africa Day, which has been observed annually since 1963 on 25 May. Here are a few of the events happening around South Africa for the next three days.
Courtesy of Joburg Theater
Johannesburg: Africans from all around the continent are coming together to celebrate Africa Day around Joburg.
- Over two days — 22 and 23 May — top musicians will lead celebrations through song and dance at the at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. Live shows Friday and Saturday feature the artists Lura, Lira (performing a tribute to Fela Kuti), Femi Koya with his 8-piece South African band, along with special guest Abena Koomson, member of the Tony award winning “Fela!” Broadway show. The show will also headline Ringo Madlingozi, one of the biggest Mzansi stars in South Africa. Tickets range from R100 to R200 and can be purchased by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670.
- Another Africa Day celebration will be taking place in the suburb of Yeoville Bellevue on 23 May that includes arts and crafts, a film festival, poems, and plenty of African music. For more information, visit www.adf.org.za or contact africandiasporaforum@gmail.com.
- In East Rand, the OR Tambo Cultural Precinct is hosting a free concert called “The Africa Day Jazz.” There will be performances by Black Mok and other local bands. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of Africa Day Concert
Cape Town: The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is celebrating Africa Day across the region.
- A parade with marimbas, djembes and steel bands will start at the Langa Taxi Rank in the Cape Town suburb of Langa. The parade will will join music, dance and poetry performances at the Guga S’thebe Cultural Centre.
- The Western Cape Library service is screening several African themed films as part of Africa Day celebrations. It is available to all library members but is aimed at senior citizens and preschoolers.
For more information on Cape Town and Western Cape events, see the Cultural Affairs and Sports events calendar.
Durban: Durban is celebrating Africa day next weekend with the Africa Day One Love Concert.
- The concert will celebrate a united Africa through music, DJs, drumming, poetry, food and arts and crafts like hair braiding and henna. The event runs on 30 May from 6 p.m. until 4.a.m. Cost for the event is R50, for more information, call 082 7877 055 or contact coolrunnings@iburst.co.za.
