Reggae music lovers in the Vhembe district and guests from other provinces were treated to live performances by talented artists and bands during the second Africa Day Reggae Festival on Saturday.

Those who braved the cold and attended the festival at the Makhado Show Grounds will treasure the good memories of quality music and the joviality of the night of celebrating African culture and heritage through song and dance.

The AfreeCa Resort’s manager and festival producer, Murendeni Ramunenyiwa, said the management was thankful for the partnership and co-operation they had received from all stakeholders. “We had such a peaceful and fruitful festival,” Ramunenyiwa said. “We want to thank all the artists who gave such gripping performances. The festival would not have been possible if it were not for the music lovers who knew that it was possible to celebrate the beauty and richness of our continent through music.”

The annual Africa Day Reggae Festival provides platforms for local bands, arts and culture groups to showcase their crafts while integrating the diverse cultures, their rich unique traditional practices, historical inheritance and traditional food through the arts. It also brings trade to the rural areas thus fast-tracking the much-needed community development and empowerment for the local communities through the arts and culture.

“We saw how our people love reggae music,” Ramunenyiwa said. “As for next year, we are planning to bring some godfathers of the reggae genre from Jamaica, so that they can be part of this festival.”

The festival gave a wide range of musicians and bands an opportunity to showcase their talents. These included the reggae legend Colbert Mukwevho, P-Postman, Kenny Murabi, JahMan Tshiganzha, Ras Mulweli, Code, Muofhe, Jacky Nethomboni, Khakhathi, and BlackJahman. Heavyweights Durban Nyts played new songs and their anthemic Shumaya. The other artists included Mizo, Da. L.E.S, Yellow Mah, Catcher, and Dezazo.

The festival also had a space in the line-up for hip hop artists as a way of catering for and promoting young, developing artists. The organisers also thanked the Department of Arts and Culture for the continued support in hosting the annual Africa Day Reggae Festival.