The Star E-dition

Boost for SA’s creative community

THOBILE MAZIBUKO thobile.mazibuko@inl.co.za

THE 9th annual Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival is back – and promises to be better than before.

Usually, the festival takes place in Youth month (June), but due to Covid19 restrictions, it was moved to October and will be held at Constitution Hill from October 28 to 30.

This year’s festival will be a combination of art, music, film, design, dance, theatre, poetry, a makers market and conference sessions.

Last year, the organisers had to devise creative ways to make it happen despite the pandemic. They hosted the first Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival, allowing the event to be held in a hybrid format accommodating a small physical audience and full live streaming to virtual audiences globally.

“The Creative Uprising has been scaled to support our creative community most affected by the current Covid-19 crisis, and has grown into an always-on programme, not just the three-day festival,” says Constitution Hill chief executive Dawn Robertson.

Here's what to expect from the three-day festival

Lead-up events

This year’s festival will have lead-up events such as the fashion and styling workshop by Nokwando Neon (October 16), Word Of Poetry Workshop (October 16) and the Studio 21 Residency Launch on October 23.

Creative conferences

There will also be a three-day creative conference for the duration of the festival. On Day 1, Nando’s will host a creative conference at the Women’s Jail, showcasing southern African creativity.

“We love sharing Mzansi’s art, design and music talents with the world in a way that makes a positive, meaningful difference. That’s the reason we love firing up Basha Uhuru – creativity is part of our heart and soul,” says Kirsty Niehaus, the head of Nando’s Art Initiative.

Day 2 will be the Basha Uhuru Conference – Eco-System Rising! 2021. The conference will focus on sharing the opportunities that the Creative Uprising Hub has already generated at Constitution Hill and the eco-system it aims to build; to be at the forefront of Creative Hubs in South Africa.

On the last day, Constitution Hill, in association with IKS Cultural Consulting, will present the Gauteng Cultural and Creative Industries Growth Strategy 2022-2031. Only 50 people will be allowed to attend.

Performing arts

Festival attendees will be treated to the World of Words poetry performances, theatre with Creativity in Jozi! with Market Theatre Laboratory and Gister Moaba by Vuyani Dance Theatre.

There will be film screenings anda Q&A with the Film and Vinyl Club. The film screenings will include a series of locally-made short films such as Date Night and Beauty in The Dark.

Arts and design

As part of the 2021 Nando’s Creative Exchange, four local artists will be showcasing their work at the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival.

The Creative Exchange is a programme aimed at recognising emerging South African fine artists who demonstrate exceptional ability, and to help them take the necessary steps in their careers. The selected four artists are then offered mentorship programmes and supplied with art materials.

Adrian Owen

Born in Zimbabwe, he moved to South Africa in 1984. Owen is a selftaught artist specialising in fine art, portraiture and illustration. The artist, who usually uses charcoal to create exclusive artworks, has participated in several exhibitions such as SHE, RK Contemporary, Riebeek Kasteel and Open Studio’s Kommetjie, his solo exhibition.

Llise Dodd

A visual artist who uses acrylic, is influenced by visual rhythms in nature and everything she experiences. Her recent exhibitions include Art Meander in Port Elizabeth and the 2019 Fringe Exhibition.

Eric Rantisi

This artist, who enjoys working with oil paints, uses art to tackle social, political and cultural issues.

A Tshwane University Of Technology Fine and Applied Arts graduate, he has participated in several art competitions, including the Absa Atelier, Sasol New Signatures and the PPC Young Sculptors Art Competition.

Mongezi Ncombo

Famous for acrylic drawing ink, acrylic paint and fine liner on canvas, Ncombo’s work is usually based on traditions, culture, and forms of education. The Mthatha-born artist has been part of the Creative Block programme since 2018.

The music

The last day of the festival (October 30) will be jam-packed as the BashaUhuru stage will be set alight by new and upcoming talent. Some of the artists performing include Mx Blouse, Van Skosana, DJ Mr X, Thando Nje, Langa Mavuso, DJ Olwee, Bonga Kwana, Sio, Sun-el-musician, Easy Freak, Fiflaaa, Marcus Harvey and Kitchen Mess.

Tickets for the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival start from R100 via web tickets. Visit: www.bashauhuru.co.za for more information.

LIFESTYLE

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2021-10-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

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