The festival brings the soul to the heart of Joburg

Parks Tau says investment is necessary for job creation and building an inclusive society.

[email protected]

An assortment of art, design and musical talent will be showcased at this year’s Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg.

The festival nurtures and showcases local creativity, and South African artists performing include Langa Mavuso, Sun El Musician, Bonga Kwana, Ms Party, MX Blouse, SIO and Marcus Harvey.

Originally scheduled for June, the festival will now be held from October 28 to 30 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last year, the event was reconfigured in light of the pandemic and took place in a hybrid format to accommodate a small physical audience and full live broadcast. This year, the format of the main events will be similar, with limited tickets for in-person participation.

The festival – once again hosted by longtime partner Nando’s – seeks to bring art, music, film, design, dance, theater, poetry, a designer market and conference sessions most fashionable at one of Johannesburg’s most iconic landmarks, Constitution Hill. Participants will enjoy a three-day program that will also be broadcast live – showcasing, celebrating and nurturing creative talent.

“The Creative Uprising has been sized to support our creative community most affected by the current Covid-19 crisis, and has become an ongoing program, not just the three-day festival,” said Dawn Robertson, CEO of Constitution Hill.

Meanwhile, MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng Parks Tau, said the investment was needed to advance the # GrowingGautengT2030 agenda to promote decent work and build an inclusive society.

“Constitution Hill has reinvented itself as a creative industries aggregator focused on self-employment for young people,” Tau said.

“The Creative Uprising Hub and the Basha Uhuru Festival are integral to achieving this goal,” he said.

Nando’s Art Initiative director Kirsty Niehaus said they were excited to be part of the music experience again.

“Creativity is the heart and soul of Nando’s brand and corporate philosophy, which is why we are delighted to once again bring the heat to Johannesburg’s favorite creative event. We are excited to nurture Mzansi’s new emerging talents in art, design and music, and to nurture and showcase local creativity.

500 tickets will be up for grabs for physical participation in the Fête de la Musique on October 30. Tickets for the festival can be purchased at www.webtickets.co.za. For more information on the festival and the lineup, visit www.bashauhuru.co.za.

Independent Sunday