Music

The Nights of Bliss with Maduvha festival that took place at Christ Worship House in Shayandima last Saturday night was a huge success and a large crowd of fans attended the event.

The festival was attended by people from various communities in Limpopo and was marketed as an event aimed at showcasing the cultural diversity of Vhembe. Big names and legends in music, such as Irene Mawela, Oliver Mutukuzi, Colbert Mukwevho, Tshepo Tshola and Maduvha Madima, left music lovers crying for more. The organiser, Maduvha Madima, stated that the vision of the festival was mainly to allow local vernacular artists a platform at a mainstream level.

She added that it was at occasions such as the festival where the district also celebrated the uniqueness of its culture.  "The festival provided the province with an opportunity to unify its citizens and the neighbouring countries to celebrate the rich cultural music and promote tourism in the province," she added. “Our main aim is was not to make profit, but to market our province and show our talent.”

She also explained that some local musicians were “ending up in the street or being pirated,” without getting the benefits that the artists were working for.

The MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, 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 Ramathuba.

She also stated that it was important for artists to treat their careers like a business, adding that the government was determined to help artists overcome financial difficulties.