The Mandela Bay Arts Festival opened on 21 February with a bold and colourful celebration of local talent across different genres, backgrounds and themes. Even the surprise return of Stage 6 load shedding didn’t stop the fun, as organisers kicked into a well-devised back-up plan to keep the lights on.
Monica Newton, CEO of the National Arts Festival, who are the Festival’s production partners, said the Mandela Bay Arts Festival was off to a great start despite the electricity setbacks, “Having been through all kinds of emergency situations at the National Arts Festival, we have come prepared for the load shedding, so don’t sit at home in the dark, come and join us!”
The first weekend was a hit with local audiences coming out to support their own. The Soil, who made a whistle-stop at the Mandela Bay Arts Festival, was sold out for their concert at The Athenaeum on Sunday night and shows like Rising Stars, Sing Out Loud, Press Start – An 8-bit Musical and jazz artist Lefa Mosea were among the shows that pulled in the crowds. All of these shows appear again later on in the Festival.
Commenting on the first weekend of the Festival, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said “The launch of the Mandela Bay Arts Festival (MBAF) this weekend marks a transformative moment for Nelson Mandela Bay as we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing creativity, empowering artists, and positioning our city as a vibrant cultural hub. This festival is more than just a celebration of the arts—it is a platform for emerging and established talent to showcase their work, tell their stories, and inspire communities. Through MBAF, we are investing in the creative economy, driving cultural tourism, and ensuring that the arts remain a powerful force for social change and economic growth. Nelson Mandela Bay is a city rich in artistic excellence, and this festival will amplify that legacy for generations to come.”
Going into the new week, the Festival is hosting the first Simagalise Igwijio Competition that sees young vocal groups compete for first (R5000), second (R3000) and third (R1000) prize. Another sold out show, the event will be attended by media partners TruFm and Mpuma Kapa TV, with a surprise visit from a well known national performer.
Workshops and more shows still lie ahead. Festival-goers shouldn’t miss Arts Legacy Education Alive, a free four-day educational workshop series (25-28 February at The Athenaeum) during which delegates will explore the role of heritage in the arts.
Local documentary and content creator, OG Phizow, is giving a two-day workshop, The O.G Phizow TV Content Convention, covering film screening, branding and business, and a workshop on smartphone filmmaking, at The Athenaeum on the 25th and 26th February. Tickets are R80 with a R50 concession ticket for students. Internationally recognised local fashion designer, Thando Piliso, is sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge about the business of fashion in The Business of Fashion Masterclass . An unmissable experience for those looking to break into the fashion business, it’s at The Mendi Centre in New Brighton on 28 February only. Tickets are R80.
There is still a packed week of shows, exhibitions and more for the whole family so head to www.mbaf.co.za to see the programme and book your tickets. The Mandela Bay Festival is on until 2 March 2025.
For the full festival program and to book tickets, visit www.mbaf.co.za.
Port Elizabethan
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