People from different areas of Vhembe, as well as musicians, flooded Matopo Lake Gardens at Tsianda to celebrate Africa Day with music lastSaturday.

The event started at 12:00, with a line-up of young and up-and-coming singers who mesmerised the crowd with raw sounds and lyrics.

The main performances took up in the early hours of the evening, with seasoned artists and emerging singers such as Whitey Dama, Marcus Mundalamo, Tshigombodza, Ras Mulweli, Mashudu Nematoka, Malondolo, BlackJahman and poet Bornwise performing.

One of the artists, Vanessa “Vanempha” Mphanama, said that she was proud of being an African woman and added that participating in an event of that nature only helped to affirm her belonging in the continent. “I call upon all Africans to have peace and love among themselves in our countries,” Vanempha spoke. “As recording artists, we say no to tribal wars and mediocrity in African states!” Her debut full-length album, Untold Story, has just been released. She is a new voice in the Afro-genre.

Phala Phala FM's executive producer for programmes, Ms Paula Mathonsi, indicated that the station was happy to be part of the celebration where they had an opportunity to interact and socialise with the listeners. “Phala Phala FM celebrates Africa Day because it is our mandate to promote heritage and culture,” Mathonsi stated. “In celebration of the day, unity is encouraged at all times.”