Cultural explosion expected at Heritage Festival

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GEORGE NEWS - A three-day Heritage Festival is taking place at the George Showground this weekend, from Friday to Sunday, 23 to 25 September.

A diverse line-up of musicians can be expected, with Oom David Daniels as the oldest performer on stage. Oom David will be playing langarm music, something he has been doing for the last 60 years.

Other performers include Germaine Leonard, a music teacher at George High with his own four-piece band, called George High & Kie; Jerome Rex and Whaden Johannes from the popular soapie; Ghoema winner Yoma-Reënboog; the rapper Janion Kennedy from Oudtshoorn, better known as Noemwoord; Afrikaans Ruk (CPT); Petronel Baard; Hakkiesdraad Hartman; Wendy Oldfield and Robin Auld.

The event will showcase a variety of art forms and performance displays, in true South African fashion. One of the event's organisers, Max Modise, said South Africans need to find reasons to believe that there is hope, life and possibilities in our day-to-day existence.

Jerome Rex

PHOTO GALLERY: 3 day Heritage Festival this coming weekend

"We are a resilient bunch, South Africans - we thrive against odds, daily. The Heritage Festival is just the tonic we need right now to remind us of who we are," he said.

"The weekend is to celebrate our heritage that is as diverse as South Africa, including our diverse cultures, regardless of looks, background and upbringing. We are a melting pot of diverse heritage and culture, but one nation all in the ilk of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, who cared deeply about Ubuntu."

After a long Covid-induced drought, many artists are desperately trying to make ends meet. An opportunity like this can help many artists' families.

"As a supporter, patron or performer, you will be part of a movement that will help to promote social cohesion, while celebrating our diversity for that weekend," said Modise.

Yoma Reënboog