In honor of Heritage Day, South Africa is pulling out all the stops to celebrate.
Saturday at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg, South African music icon Emo Adams reveals his ancestry with his audience.
Adams and the Take Note Band take the audience on a voyage of live music with a comic twist in their latest performance, “Waa’sit Lekker.”
Adams told IOL Entertainment that his music is guaranteed to make listeners dance, sing, and laugh from beginning to end. The father of four, who was born and reared in the Cape Flats, stated that he cannot wait to share his ancestry and custom stories.
Now that I am a parent, I understand why my father used to drag me to the Malay Choirs and Kaapse Klopse, since that is what sets us apart from the rest of the world and gives us our identity.
“My childhood and adolescence were spent parading through the streets of Cape Town during coon (minstrel) carnivals and festive time, our faces brightly painted with colors and sometimes topped with glitter, dressed in sequins and satin gear with hats and umbrellas, dancing and singing to the ghoema beats and trumpets of the live bands.
“There were other instances when we sang in the Malay choir, dressed impeccably in suits, shirts, ties, formal shoes, and maroon fez. We sung songs like the Afrikaans moppie and Nederlandse liedjies (songs).”
Adams stated that it was these distinctive characteristics that drew him back to honoring his roots.
Therefore, I would have to pay humorous homage to these aspects of my ancestry as well.
In addition to family fun and humor, the program is a celebration of who we are as individuals in our diverse nation.
Due to his “Maak My Famous” and “Noot Vir Noot” show engagements, the artist had to postpone his annual travels to Johannesburg.
“It will be my first time performing at the Lyric Theatre and my first time performing with the complete band. When I first relocated to Johannesburg in 2005, I performed here for the first time.
Adams stated that his 8 p.m. performance was quickly selling out, forcing him to add a second performance at 4 p.m. on the same day.
“To receive such love and support is really incredible. This tour is unique since it coincides with Heritage Day, therefore these components will be incorporated into the performance,” added Adams.
Dalin Oliver will serve as the opening act.
Adams says, “Justin Bieber is no longer performing, but I am still here for the people, and they will be pleased to hear that load shedding will not hinder this performance.”
Tickets are R150 via Quicket.
JOBURG
NEXT Fest Jhb
“Next Fest Jhb” will include an exciting lineup of musicians, featuring The Black Cat Bones as the main act. The jol was in high demand after the first installment in Cape Town, therefore the second installment will take place in Johannesburg. Other performers include West Coast Wolves, Jack Atlantic, Bradley Grey, and Nic Jeffrey. Atlantic is a 27-time nominee for the SAMAs.
Where: Sognane, Strydompark.
When: September 30. Doors open at 5 p.m., and live music begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets cost between R100 and R250 via Quicket.
Nqoba (“to conquer”) Challenge
Here is something for the youngsters to do in the great outdoors. This is a play date for parents and children ages 4 to 13 to come out into the fresh air and navigate a 3km or 5km inflatable obstacle course.
Heron Bridge College and Planet Fitness host the event. Pack your picnic food and blanket for a day of outdoor enjoyment.
Where: HeronBridge College, Nietgedacht, Fourways.
When: September 24 beginning at 8am
Admission is R20 per adult and free for children.
DURBAN
Heritage Day Organ Recital
Two organ masters, Melvin Peters and guest organist Tim Gunter, give a Heritage Day morning organ concert. Since 2010, Peters and Gunter have performed regularly together.
In addition to playing a programme for piano and organ together, they also participate in group concerts and hold workshops with students working in a variety of genres, from jazz to sacred, choral to German Romantic.
Where: Durban’s St. Paul’s Church
When: September 24, 11:00 AM
Tickets cost R100/R50 for concessions. Booking 031 2400 964 /www.stpaulsdurban.org.za
SISTAS
The “Sistas” exhibition honors women and is a collaborative effort of 2D and 3D artwork created by both men and women.
This partnership between male and female artists honors “Sistas” by promoting the exchange of stories, fostering debate, and bridging cultural and gender gaps.
The Gallery has invited ten poets to compose a Sestude (62-word poem) in response to a selected work of art. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in imaginative artworks and poems.
Ballito’s The Gallery at The Studios.
When: until October 2
Cost: nothing
Ascending Stars
Together with the South African Society of Music Teachers, Friends in Music hosts their annual “Rising Stars” event (SASMT). The event will feature the year’s best music students, as chosen by the SASMT.
Where: Jewish Centre of Durban
When: September 25.
R80 payable at the entrance.
CAPE TOWN
Makers Halaal Market
This Heritage weekend, enjoy delectable foods at a cozy food market. The fair, curated by Conscious Meat Merchants, celebrates top Halaal artists in a range of professions.
The market will include industry leaders and promote food, fashion, apparel, art, and music for the enjoyment of all attendees.
Aniseeds, Dumpling Girl, Pomegranate Wellness, Gadija Khan, and Zaakira Ashtiker are among the halaal community’s most prominent merchants.
Makers Landing on the V&A Waterfront.
When: September 24 and 25.
Cost: zero (bring money for food).
Fun Day
If you are a fan of the “Wikkel Wikkel” hitmakers RJay & LK, you should attend the Church of the Ascension’s Fun Day in Paarl. If you are interested in cars that turn heads, then the car exhibition will fascinate you.
DJs and additional outdoor activities are offered. Our Springboks’ rugby match against Argentina will be broadcast on a large screen.
Sonop Primary School, Paarl East is the location.
When: September 24, 9:00 a.m.
Cost is R30 for adults, R10 for your car, and R10 for children under 12; R50 covers your cooler box.
White Heritage Day Picnic for All
The inaugural “All White Heritage Day Picnic” will be an intimate outdoor picnic in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, with live music performances and an all-white heritage/cultural theme.
The purpose of this lifestyle event is to celebrate Heritage Day while offering employment opportunities for local service providers.
In accordance with Heritage Day, the event will also feature the sale of traditional cuisines and an Arts and Craft Exhibition Market with exhibitions by craftsmen, beading, jewelry, local traditional designers, and visual artists.
The location is Victoria Park in Gqeberha.
When: September 24, 11:00 AM
Tickets start at R295 and a cooler box costs R95 via Webtickets.