On August 31st, the Mbizana Art Centre, located at the Oliver Tambo Cultural Village, hosted auditions in preparation for the highly anticipated OR Tambo Art Centre Cultural and Scathamiya Festival, set to take place on the 26th and 27th of October at the Wild Coast Sun. The auditions, vibrant and energetic, felt like a festival in their own right as individuals and groups showcased their talents with great enthusiasm and passion.
Performers across various artistic disciplines—from music to drama—took to the stage to align their performances with the festival’s theme, which this year honors Chief Jongumsobomvu Maqoma, the legendary commander of the Xhosa forces during the Cape Frontier Wars. Poets and drama groups, in particular, captured the essence of Maqoma’s legacy, delivering performances that were both entertaining and educational, steeped in history and cultural pride.
The festival, made possible by the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, and the Wild Coast Sun Mbizana Development Trust, aims to celebrate the region’s cultural heritage and promote artistic talent.
Mrs. Nakwa, Chairperson of the Mbizana Art Centre, expressed her excitement over the turnout for the auditions. “We are thrilled to see so many people come out to showcase their talents. Our goal is to encourage pride in our heritage and provide opportunities for individuals to grow their skills and express themselves through art,” she said. Nakwa emphasized the Centre’s commitment to offering equal opportunities for artists, ensuring that talent from across the region is nurtured and showcased.
A wide range of performances was on display, including music, dance, drama, poetry, Imfene, maskandi, modern music, gospel, and umxhentso. Judges and organizers evaluated the performances based on the theme and criteria communicated before the auditions. Successful participants will be invited to perform at the main festival, contributing to the celebration of cultural diversity and heritage.
One of the hopefuls, Siphosenkosi Phohlwana, a Grade 11 student from AD Tshayingca in Jali Location, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. As a hip-hop artist, he shared how supportive his parents have been, occasionally giving him money to record his music.
“I’m grateful for this platform provided by the Mbizana Art Centre. I believe it will open doors for me, and one day, my talent will allow me to provide for my family,” he said.
Mbizana Art Centre Manager, Mr. Khala, reflected on the success of the auditions, which also served as the final event in the celebration of Women’s Month. “Before these auditions, we hosted nodal point auditions in areas such as Dudumeni, Meje Hall, Baleni, and Bulala Hall. We are overjoyed by the number of participants and the original compositions we’ve seen. Our ultimate goal is to reach the level of the Grahamstown Arts Festival,” Khala shared. He also expressed hope that the festival will continue to grow in 2025, attracting even more talent and interest.
Siphokuhle Somtyle from the Lukholo Marazula group echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the festival in keeping youth off the streets and away from drugs. “We want to grow in our craft because we have families and we work with young people who need positive outlets. I’m 99% sure we’ll make it to the festival because I believe in my team,” Somtyle confidently stated.
With the energy and talent on display, the OR Tambo Art Centre Cultural and Scathamiya Festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of art, culture, and history, showcasing the richness of the Eastern Cape’s artistic community.
