"People must preserve their culture"

More than 20 000 music enthusiasts from various parts of the country converged at Nandoni Royal Gardens outside Thohoyandou last weekend for the annual Phalaphala FM Royal Heritage Festival.

The two-day event started with a gospel festival on Friday, ahead of the main event on Saturday which ended on Sunday morning. 

Among the dignitaries who attended the festival were King Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana and the deputy minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, Mr Obed Bapela.

Bapela said that the festival had the potential to become one of the biggest events in the country. He commended Phalaphala FM and the 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. He also 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.

He said that it was important for artists to treat their careers like a business and, according to him, the government is 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.

 “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 they 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.

SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the festival had a role to bring the radio station closer to the people.

The mayor of the Thulamela Local Municipality, Cllr Avhashoni Tshifhango, added that the festival was a boost for the local economy. 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.

Artists including Alec Machesa, TKZEE, Mazwale, Zozo, Makhadzi and Dr Malinga, MTN Joyous Celebration, Elle Tesane, Worship House, Pastor Rudy, Naphy M and many more participated in the event.

Entertainment - Date: 15 September 2017

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]