By Vusi Kama
MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: American Rhythm and Blues sensation Karyn White, who will headline Sunday’s Mahika Mahikeng line-up, has called on revellers from South Africa and neighbouring states to come and enjoy the annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival running from December 7-10 at Mmabatho Stadium.
She touched down in Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon, and has since been busy in rehearsals with her band and doing media interviews.
“It was a long flight to South Africa, but it has been worth it because this place is beautiful and I have been looking forward to coming to perform at Mahika Mahikeng,” she said. “I will sing your favourite hits and my other songs you want me to perform.”
“It’s gonna go down, hey,” she added in American slang. “Am very excited to be here.” She is known for block-busters such as “Superwoman”, “Can I stay with you” and “I’d rather be alone”, among others.
White will share the stage with local powerhouses such as Judith Sephuma, Vusi Nova, Jaziel Brothers, Blaq Diamond, Mma Ausi, Freddy Gwala and many more.
The Festival, backed by the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), will kick off with a comedy show on December 7, followed by Amapiano the following night, with Gospel music on December 9 and the main Jazz and R&B show on Sunday December 10. Tickets are available at Computicket and Ticketpro.
Numerous North West artists are part of the four-day extravaganza.
The Festival was launched at a star-studded event at Johannesburg’s Maboneng.
“The idea of a Gauteng launch is to promote the Festival to people beyond the province,” said Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (Acsr) Department spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe. “We want Mahika Mahikeng to be a key driver of the economy, to model what we say the arts play an important role in the economy.”
He said ACSR wanted the benefits from Mahika Mahikeng to be broad not only to for the artists, but also for sectors such as catering, accommodation and fuel services.
“As things stand, the stage is set for the Festival, and we are ready to receive revellers from here and afar.” The Amapiano night will feature genre heavyweights such as Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Tira, Big Zulu and Kwesta.
