DJ Ossewa, Mafikizolo, Melanie Scholtz and Flash Republic with Tamara Dèy are the daily headline acts that will rock this year’s MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival.
Bay FM’s gospel evening will kick off opening night on Friday, April 10, with artists like Leon and Veronica, John Nelson, Ken J Larkin, Barneace Slabbert, Esti van Rooyen and the Samuel Ministry Singers. Thereafter the pace will pick up slightly with Afrikaans artists Ian Venter and Martin Kernekamp.
The evening reaches a climax with alternative Afrikaans dance music by DJ Ossewa. These four eccentric blokes masterfully use the concertina, accordion, guitar and harmonica to give traditional Afrikaans music a trendy slant.
At the same time, they will launch their brand-new DVD that was recorded in Port Elizabeth at the end of last year.
Saturday evening’s programme starts off with the winner of the university’s talent competition, after which Patrick Lindoor, Stef the Hypnotist, flame artists Duo Fahrenheit, the a capella group All Things Are Possible and Algoa FM’s fireworks spectacular will set the stage for Afro-pop band Mafikizolo.
Jazz is the main theme for Sunday’s evening programme with Melanie Scholtz as the highlight. Artists raising the curtain for her include Lindi Doubell & Bongani, Gerard O’Brien, Satori and Mojazz.
On the final day, Flash Republic will end off the closing ceremony, which starts at 2pm, in grand style with their dance music.
According to David Limbert, the festival’s programme consultant, both stages will buckle under the variety of entertainment that will be showcased free of charge throughout.
He says it’s not every day that the public get such a spread of genres at one event. “The programme offers everything from jazz and gospel to kwaito and Afrikaans music.”
The festival’s success over the past two decades has been built on the fact that it literally offers something for everyone, says Limbert.
Apart from old favourites like Stef, who will entertain the crowds with his side-splitting shows, there are a number of new items on the programme.
The morning schedule focuses on youngsters, with much-loved favourites like Gerry the midget clown, Rocket Man, Snake Man and many more.
Apart from top-notch entertainment, festivalgoers can browse the more than 120 stalls. Beach soccer, volleyball and watersport will contribute to an adrenaline packed weekend.
For more information and the full festival programme, visit www.splashfestival.com or phone the festival office on 041 393 4844.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
041 368 4992
082 575 7991
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
MTN Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival