Africa Day Festival brings cultural celebration

GEORGE NEWS - The ninth Annual Africa Day Festival returned to the Witfontein Nature Reserve this past weekend, running from Friday to Sunday, 29 to 31 May, and once again delivered a lively and colourful celebration of African culture, music and heritage.

Organised by the Outenikwastat House of Rastafari, the event, billed as "Reggae on the River", transformed the banks of the Gwaiing River at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains into a bustling cultural hub where music, art and nature blended into a relaxed outdoor experience.

Festival committee member Hein Scheepers said this year's event reflected the festival's growing popularity and reach, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond. Guests attended from Knysna, Oudtshoorn, various parts of the Cape, and even from as far afield as Gqeberha, alongside a strong local turnout.

"We also had many people who are not Rastas joining us this year," Scheepers said.

"Our core attendance comes from Rastafari communities, but we welcomed many others, camping here and joining the celebrations."

Energy levels ran high throughout the weekend, with live performances featuring a wide mix of reggae, hip-hop, amapiano, jazz and poetry. Traditional African art forms, film screenings and cultural discussions also formed part of the programme.

This year's line-up included popular South African artist Hakkiesdraad Hartman as one of the headline performers, drawing strong audience engagement across the three-day event.

Beyond the stage performances, visitors were able to explore a curated selection of craft and food stalls, while wellness and community-focused activities added another layer to the festival atmosphere.

Scheepers said the festival continues to reflect George's broader commitment to inclusivity and cultural expression, bringing together local communities and visitors to celebrate Africa's rich and diverse heritage.Niko10Long, a prolific Afrikaans hip-hop artist from Cape Town.