Africa Day is annually celebrated on May 25th not just on the African continent but throughout the African diaspora. The celebrations highlight African solidarity, unity in diversity, creativity, challenges and successes, and the cultural and economic potential of the continent.
Artscape remains one of the pivotal venues for Africa Day celebrations across Cape Town.
Throughout the week we celebrated indigenous languages with the staging of Witness Tamsanqa’s Buzani ku bawo rendered in isiXhosa, as well as ! ke e: /xarra //ke, Diverse People Unite, which is our South African motto, equally celebrating 30 years of Democracy. We reflected on how far we have come while encouraging South Africans to see the incredible depth of our diversity, and the power we can give to a vision, if we harness our individual strengths and work together with a common purpose. It will also shone a light on what is still to be done to ensure the vision remains solid and the values, as represented on the shield, continue to be upheld.
Additionally the Abantakwethu Brothers showcased their renditions of Afro-pop Acapella , and Isicathamiya music among others transporting patrons to the heart of South African culture
The theme of this year’s celebrations as confirmed by the African Union was ‘Education Fit for the 21st Century’, while our local theme was “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Building a Better Africa and a Better World’’.
Through the expression of arts and culture Artscape seeks to utlise this day and month to complement the ethos of the African Union viz.: act as a platform for the continent to engage and build stronger networks and partnerships at various levels across national and international boundaries.
Equally to compliment South Africa’s commitment to building a better Africa and a better world in line with the AU’s principles.
The celebrations at Artscape equally seeks to reinforce African solidarity, unity in diversity, highlighting creativity, challenges and successes, cultural and economic potential of the continent. It is also a platform for the continent to engage and build stronger networks/partnerships at various levels across national and international boundaries. It could also be a catalyst for connections and creation of collaborative networks from all facets of life aiming at fostering positive change in the communities.