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Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

The Soil and Amanda Black in Gqeberha for once-off concerts

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The Mandela Bay Arts Festival (22 Feb-2 March 2025) is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s annual spotlight on the talented artists living and working in the area – from local stars to emerging talents; musicians, filmmakers, dancers, actors, poets, painters and more. To support and celebrate these local champions, The Soil and Amanda Black will each be performing a single concert during the Mandela Bay Arts Festival.

Amanda Black will be on the Festival line-up at the 2025 Mandela Bay Arts Festival

Amanda Black hails from the Eastern Cape and is returning to her roots for this special and inspiring appearance. She was born and raised in Gcuwa and shot to fame with her critically acclaimed debut album Amazulu in 2016. She has since released more albums (including her 2023 release From My Soil to Yours) and performed nationally, sharing the stage with many local and international greats. She’ll be at the Little Theatre at The Atheneum on 1 March at 19h00. Tickets are online at www.mbaf.co.za

The Soil was formed in Soweto in 2004 and has since garnered much acclaim and a huge following for their distinctive Acapella sound. Last year, the band launched their Soil Reimagined Tour, reigniting their music across South Africa. Be sure not to miss them as they join the Mandela Bay Arts Festival lineup on 23 February at 18h00 at The Atheneum. Both concerts will be supported by award-winning stand-up comic, Nkosinathi Maki. Book tickets at www.mbaf.co.za

The Soil will perform at the Mandela Bay Arts Festival for one night only on 23 February

Beyond the full programme of shows and events, top local acts will also be in the spotlight for once-off featured concerts. On the 2nd March, Joliza Bhacasoul will bring his blend of Afro-soul, Jazz, Maskandi and Bhaca rhythm elements such as ukucwiya (spiritual singing), ukuvalela (spiritual humming), and ukusina (spiritual dancing) to the audience. MzeeSax is the supporting act at this concert at Roof Garden Bar on the 2nd of March. Tickets are sold online at www.mbaf.co.za

Joliza Bhacasoul performs on the last day of the Mandela Bay Arts Festival, 2 March 2025

Local Afro-Soul diva, Nomabotwe, who released her highly anticipated album Hamba Ungemi late last year, will be performing on the 22 February at Roof Garden Bar. Her support act is Mandilakhe who also features in the Festival production, Amathongo. Tickets for this once-off show are available at www.mbaf.co.za.

Nomabotwe performs at the Mandela Bay Arts Festival on 22 February 2025

The full Mandela Bay Arts Festival programme can be found at www.mbaf.co.za and tickets are on sale now. Packed with events that celebrate the soul, playfulness, energy and deep stories of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, there is something for everyone.

“As the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, I, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, invite all residents of Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape to join us at the Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Festival in Gqeberha. Let’s unite in celebrating our rich cultural heritage and support our local artists. This festival is a testament to our community’s creativity and resilience.”

The Mandela Bay Arts Festival is a project of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, delivered and presented by the National Arts Festival. The acts mentioned in this press release will appear at the Mandela Bay Arts Festival with additional funding from the National Arts Council and Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme 4.

To see the programme and book and pay for tickets on the site, visitors can go to www.mbaf.co.za

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