My Black Little Heart a Dark Offering Indeed

Set and shot in Durban, Claire Angelique’s debut feature film ‘My Black Little Heart’ explores streets and avenues the Tshwane Tourism Board leaves off its attractions list and its municipality outright denies exist. This gut wrenching “semi-biographical” piece sheds light on Durban’s dark and septic underbelly, a world plagued by self mutilators, addicts, prostitutes, street [...]

Twittering About the Fest

Twittering About the Fest
By Colin Wardle 
At this point I am sure we are all well aware of, if not annoyed by Facebook.
Twitter is the internet’s latest social networking and micro-blogging offering.

We want more audio books!

by Ongezwa Ndlakuse
‘We Want More Audio Books’ read some of the placards of marchers at the National Arts Festvial in Grahamstown. 
 
This crowd had members of the SA Library for the Blind, writers and people interested in literacy and education. The aim of the march, which took place on Monday, was to educate [...]

G-Twon’s pots boil over for Fest!

By Anele Ngwenya and Lwando Helesi
Politicians may falter and prices will always change but the 35th National Arts Festival has not neglected its obligation to good cuisine and artistic inspiration. The Long Table restaurant has certainly maintained its promise to feed the diverse crowds during festival.
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Standard Bank Hands Out 99 Awards in 25 Years

By Colin Wardle and Onamandla Mathe
Since its inception way back in 1981, the Standard Bank Young Artists Award has been a platform for aspiring artists who have “demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen fields but who have not yet achieved national exposure and acclaim.” The awards have always served to promote the careers of their recipients, [...]

Village Green moves show from town to RU campus

The National Arts Festival’s Transnet Village Green Market has moved from Fiddlers Green in the centre of Grahamstown to Rhodes University campus. The new digs are more spacious and promise a “family-friendly” environment and a bigger sales platform for South African crafts makers and vendors.

Lebo Mashile… living art!

By: Nqobile Buthelezi (FJP Reporter)
An acclaimed poet, actress, producer, life skills facilitator, corporate events MC and television presenter, Lebo Mashile has taken the South art and television  industries by storm.

Oliver Mtukudzi graces NAF

by Mudiwa Mupotsa (FJP reporter)

Oliver Mtukudzi

Audiences are set to receive a powerful performance from Oliver Mtukudzi as he takes the stage at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.
The first performance is at DSG Hall, at 19:30 on Friday 4July. The man nicknamed ‘Tuku’ by his fans will be performing some of his favourite songs.  ”They [...]

Talent not held back by disability

by Thandanani Mhlanga (FJP reporter)
Siyasamkela Toli is a 27 year old painter from Cofimvaba in Transkei. He and two other friends have formed a partnership that’s seen them draw crowds daily at the National Arts Festival, Village Green in Grahamstown.
What sets them apart from other artists is not only their incredible talent but that all [...]

Pantsula for Life

Ukona Jelwana (FJP reporter)
Gone are the days when isiPantsula dance was only for males. Girls are also taking to the stage, keeping the fast paced rhythm of the pantsula dance and giving the boys a good run for their money.
Three girls, Silindokuhle Diko (15), Anela Makayi (15) and Sanelisiwe Dyasi (16) from Mdantsane Township in [...]