The ABSA Stadium in East London is expected to be sold out for the first annual Eastern Cape Royal Heritage Festival, which will be held from December 14 to 17. Jazz, gospel, afro-soul, and afro-pop artists will perform at this festival.
The inaugural Eastern Cape Royal Heritage Festival promises to be mind-blowing entertainment for local jazz fans, ranging from nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz legends and soulful music to more modern sounds.
Kelly Khumalo, Ikhona, Busiswa, Makhadzi, Lebo Sekgobela, and Amanda Mankayi are among the artists confirmed to perform.
The event’s organizers, Harmocept Events, explain the project’s main goals, which include creating an event that will act as a catalyst for an increase in visitors and potential investors to Buffalo City Municipality and the Eastern Cape during the holiday season.
“We also want to initiate other tools and means to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Buffalo City community, by boosting the local economy and township tourism,” said the statement.
This festival has some economic ramifications for the locals because all service providers for this event, from technical, sound, stage, and lighting to infrastructure, ablution facilities, marquees, and accommodation, will be sourced locally. An SMME village will be built to allow businesses to showcase their wares through fashion, arts and crafts, and exhibitions.
The Executive Chairman of Harmocept Events, Anele Mbasane said, “This event is important, as we need to increase the tourism potential of Buffalo City and Eastern Cape after the deadly Covid-19 pandemic in order to stimulate the local economy.”
Mbasane said that they will also assist the Eastern Cape Provincial government in reaching out to the youth who are plagued by a variety of social challenges. Such as alcohol and substance abuse, violence against women and children, and road fatalities, as the event will occur during a busy period on our roads.
The festival’s schedule is as follows:
• EC Royal Heritage Charity Golf Day – 14 December 2022.
• Jazz, Comedy Meets Fashion Royal Gala -15 December 2022.
• EC Royal Heritage Main Festival – 16 December 2022.
• Eminence Exclusive All White -17 December 2022.
Early bird tickets are no longer available. The general admission tickets cost R300, while the golden circle tickets cost R500. Tickets are available through webtickets Pick ‘n Pay. The gates open at noon (12:00).
Lumka Oliphant: ‘Yekani utywala’