As part of Artscape Theatre Centre’s Outreach Programme a powerful line up of Gugulethu local talent will take to the stage this Sunday for theNelson Mandela & Albertina Sisulu Centenary Concert. An initiative partnered by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gugulethu 60th Anniversary Committee in celebration of this “township’s” Diamond Jubilee.
Gugulethu, established in the 1960s, is one of several areas throughout South Africa known for its collective resistance against Apartheid, in particular the “Gugulethu Seven” – when seven young men who were members of uMkhonto weSizwe(MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), were ambushed and killed by the South African security forces on the morning of March 3rd, 1986.
It is thus befitting that this tribute concert to honour Apartheid Stalwarts such as Tata Madiba and Mam’ Sisulu are held in a pertinent “township” that speaks to rightfully reclaiming “Our Pride” as a free nation – equally in reference to this “township’s” name.
The concert will showcase an incredible array of local choirs and demonstrate the determination of reviving this genre of music that forms part of Gugulethu heritage and instill culture of working together for the greater good. The concert will take place at the Gugulethu Sports Complex, in Gugulethu, from 13h00 to 17h30 to close off Heritage Month in grand style.
Featured choirs include: Joyful Harmonies, Princess Square Singers, Cape Serenade, Gugulethu Soloists – Lindile Kula, Sandile Kamle, Jacqueline Manciya, Nosiseko Mbudu-Gocini and a guest choir from a local school that has won many accolades, Fezeka High School.
This initiative between Artscape and Gugulethu 60thanniversary celebrations is the first of its kind and it will show togetherness between these two entities and also showcase that there is common heritage and destiny.