Music

Music lovers and fans from around Limpopo and other provinces arrived in large numbers to support the fifth Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage festival on Saturday at Nandoni Royal Gardens. The people were entertained by various artists during this well-attended festival.

Numerous high-profile guests, which included Vhavenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi, and the deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela, enjoyed the entertainment on offer.

According to one of the organisers, Shandu Nesengani, the purpose of the Heritage Festival was to showcase the cultural diversity of Vhembe and Limpopo. “The festival provides the province with an opportunity to unify its citizens and the neighbouring countries to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and promote tourism in the province,” he added.

Deputy Minister Obed Bapela commended the Phala Phala FM and Royal Garden festival organisers for making a joint effort to preserve culture and to promote African traditional norms. He said culture was one of the main human tools that should not be left behind during the process of transformation.

“We must be proud of who we are instead of being copycats of other peoples’ cultures. We must learn to love and appreciate our history, tradition and morality because these form the basis from which a strong nation develops. Our indigenous languages should also be preserved for the benefit of the young generation and the community at large,” said Bapela.

Bapela said that it was important for artists to treat their careers like a business. He said that the government was determined to help artists overcome financial difficulties. “They (artists) die poor and we see some of their houses are being repossessed. We would like to give them support. Let us see artists as any other business that can grow,” he said.

Minister Bapela encouraged people to preserve their culture, describing it as the wealth of the coming generation. “Many people think that playing indigenous musical instruments lowers one’s dignity, which is not true. I am proud of my culture and that is why I don’t feel shy when I play my music,” he said.