Mohalenyane Phakela
LERIBE is abuzz with anticipation ahead of its inaugural arts festival 27-28 November 2015 in Hlotse.
According to Leribe District Administrator (DA) Mokhabelane Morahanye, the aim of the festival, which has been dubbed Mollong, is to stimulate the arts sector in the district.
“It has been proved the world over that promoting the arts sector helps alleviate poverty, so we decided to groom and support nascent talent through the festival,” he said.
The fete is set to feature musical veterans such as Bhudaza, Sefako Sa Menoaneng, Rabotso Le Semanyane, Mothae, Senqu Jazz Band, Melantjetje ea Peka and Puseletso Seema who will share the stage with up-and-coming artists such as Big Bar Raps, MoDrizzle, Dalek, DBN and Stoned Face among others.
Morahanye said the festival would not showcase musicians only, but a cross section of artists.
“We are looking at the arts sector as a whole, from musicians, visual artists, fashion designers and crafters,” he said.
“We believe that bringing them together will enable them to see the opportunities that come with working together.”
The festival, Morahanye said, would kick off with workshops to equip the artists with skills to improve their craft.
“On Friday, we will start with workshops that will be facilitated by experts in different fields such as ‘M’e ‘Mamokoena from Tsikoane who is a television production teacher at Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa, Kabelo Maqache who has an honours degree in theatre and is the deputy principal at Molapo High School and Teboho Pitso from Hlotse High School who is a veteran music composer among others,” he said.
The DA also revealed that they plan to meet with the artists on a quarterly basis to discuss the challenges they encounter and find solutions, adding that the gate takings would be divided among the artistes featured during the festival.
“We want the artists to benefit from the festival, especially considering that Christmas is around the corner,” he said
