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Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
NAF 2025: A Celebration of Identity, Resilience, and the Power of Art
As the curtain falls on the 2025 National Arts Festival (NAF), South Africa's creative heartbeat echoes across the country louder than ever before. From 26 June to 6 July 2025 in Makhanda, the country's most iconic arts festival was a reminder that, even in challenging times, the arts remain important, not only as a form of expression but as a lens through which we define, examine, and reimagine ourselves. Now in its 51st year, the festival has become more than just an annual fixture on the cultural calendar. It is a living, breathing monument to creativity, courage, and community. Standard Bank has been a proud sponsor of the festival for more than 40 years. This year's edition, featuring cutting-edge theatre, experimental visual art, bold dance, soul-stirring poetry, and genre-defying music, was a masterclass in resilience, proof that the creative economy is not only alive but evolving. Sustaining such a powerful creative ecosystem, particularly in a country like South Africa, requires more than talent and vision; it demands a deeply rooted, strategic investment that is consistent and long-term. Standard Bank Group Head of Sponsorship, Bonga Sebesho reflects on the longevity and legacy of the partnership with the NAF. 'We've been a part of this festival for over 40 years,' Sebesho shared during a special broadcast at the festival. 'It's one of the longest sponsorships in South Africa, and it speaks volumes about the trust, partnership, and belief we have in the arts.' Standard Bank's sponsorship isn't just corporate social responsibility; it's a strategic pillar aimed at sustainability, growth, and economic impact. 'The creative economy is a crucial sector. It creates jobs, it uplifts youth, and it shapes how we think and engage with each other. Supporting the arts is not an optional nice-to-have; it's an economic imperative,' he said This year's festival brought together over 2,500 artists across disciplines, from dance and theatre to visual arts and literature, along with production crews, vendors, and service providers, all contributing to the local and national economy. The ripple effect of this activity, especially in a small town like Makhanda, cannot be overstated. 'When we support the National Arts Festival, we're also supporting the small businesses, the guesthouses, the caterers, the artisans, and the community groups who keep this town running,' Sebesho added. Topping the list of Standard Bank's celebrated cultural investments is the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA). This prestigious platform has launched the careers of some of South Africa's most celebrated artists, giving them space not only to present new work but also to refine their voices and connect with national and international audiences. 'We're proud to provide a platform where artists can test new work, take risks, and grow,' Sebesho said. 'And not just for national visibility, but for global recognition. We identify artists who are going to make it on the world stage.' Many SBYA recipients, including Gregory Maqoma, Koleka Putuma, and the late Dada Masilo, have made their mark on international stages. The awards, which have now become a career-defining milestone for young creatives, are a symbol of the deep investment Standard Bank has made in artistic excellence. Reflecting on how the bank measures return on such a long-term cultural investment, Sebesho said: 'Yes, there's brand sentiment and love, but beyond that, we look at real impact: how we support communities like Makhanda, how we grow with them, and how we uplift the arts sector meaningfully.' It's not just about visibility during the festival, but about year-round involvement. From sponsoring recycling initiatives and youth workshops to co-supporting community-led road repairs and skills development programmes, the partnership between Standard Bank and the NAF is deeply embedded in the fabric of the town. 'Our involvement with Makhanda doesn't begin and end with the festival dates,' Sebesho emphasised. 'We are part of this community. Our contribution is year-long.' Looking ahead, Standard Bank sees the arts not just as a space for entertainment, but as a vehicle for change. 'We want to continue creating platforms that matter. That means adapting, evolving, and staying relevant to new generations of talent,' Sebesho said. That includes more emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and youth engagement, with plans to expand existing initiatives and explore new ones in partnership with festival leadership and local arts organisations. This year, audiences were also introduced to newer festival offerings like the Igwijo youth competition, which invited under-21s to perform alongside legendary music group The Soil, bridging generations and spotlighting fresh voices. It's the kind of grassroots engagement that corporate partnerships can help amplify. The arts spark dialogue, inspire empathy, and shape national identity. They provide jobs, inspire innovation, and empower young people to tell their stories. Without sustained support, many of these voices may go unheard. Standard Bank's pop up restaurant in partnership with local eatery, Nic's Nest. And it's through partnerships like the one with Standard Bank, built on vision, longevity, and belief, that the festival can continue to grow, expand access, and deepen its impact. From bustling pop-up restaurants like 1862 at Nic's Nest, to sold-out runs at Fringe venues and jaw-dropping exhibitions at the Monument, the atmosphere in Makhanda was electric. But it was more than just excitement; it was purpose. So, as we close the chapter on this year's festival, one truth remains clear: investing in the arts is investing in the soul of the nation. And in 2025, that soul was ablaze.
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Youthful ‘Afropocalypse' wins Gold Ovation Award as National Arts Festival comes to a close
The National Arts Festival concluded on Sunday after 11 days of art in Makhanda. The cast of Afropocalypse on stage at the National Arts Festival. Picture: Supplied The youthful Afropocalypse won a Gold Ovation Award at the 2025 National Arts Festival (NAF) as the annual festival drew to a close on Sunday in Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown. The Ovations are a longstanding award that recognises qualifying Fringe productions that have moved audiences, resonated in conversations, demonstrated skill and technical prowess, shone in reviews, and reflected on their context. 'The Fringe was packed with new ideas and new themes this year. A lot of work asked deep questions about family, values and how to show up in a challenging world,' said NAF's Associate Producer, Zikhona Monaheng. 'Coming to the Fringe is an act of bravery, but it's also an entry point into a warm community. To everyone who came, our deepest thanks for being here.' ALSO READ: WATCH: Modise Sekgothe, a poet equipped in the exercise of digging deep and baring himself naked Afropocalypse Directed by Daniel Buckland, Afropocalypse was cast from second-year students at the Market Theatre Laboratory, and posed a deep question: When everything else is lost, what or who will remain? Set in a post-apocalyptic South African wasteland, Afropocalypse follows a community of travelling players who navigate a desolate landscape through the power of storytelling. As they dodge drone strikes and evade swarms of military helicopters, these intrepid storytellers encounter an unexpected audience. The production delves into speculative narratives, exploring the events that led to the end of the world as we know it. Through four fables, the play addresses themes fundamental to the human experience: Greed, Mortality, Religion, and Unconditional Love. The play is defined by the cast's youthful energy, their infectious facial expressions and how each of the students had a chance under the spotlight at St Andrews College's Centenary Hall, where the play was staged. Other winners at the Ovations include State of Numb, presented by Motsau Motsau, which follows one individual's fight to hold onto their identity in a world that demands conformity. State of Numb won Silver Ovation Awards. Other Silver Ovation Awards winners are Circle Song, A Childhood in Chalk, Umnqophiso: The Covenant and S'il vous Plait. Shows like A Fool For You, Umthelo Imiyalo, Ndingekafi: Whispers of Redemption and 12 Dogs were some of the Bronze Ovation Awards. ALSO READ: 'Black Women and Sex': South African filmmaker wins at American Black Film Festival NAF Small towns seem to appreciate things a little bit more. That they're less jaded and are more authentic, and this is true of Makhanda, with all its glaring potholes and unbothered donkeys. Eatery The Long Table, one of the longest-running fixtures at NAF, embodies the homey atmosphere of a small town while also capturing the vibrancy of the festival. After watching back-to-back shows, one comes to the Long Table to realign their chakras and grab a home-like cooked meal in the community hall transformed into a restaurant. NAF has been hosted in Makhanda for over 50 years, welcoming artists and art lovers in the small town located in the Eastern Cape. The Citizen was invited to the first week of NAF by Standard Bank where some of this year's standout shows were presented. From poet Modise Sekgothe's Gabo Legwala to the one-man play Prayers by Vusi Nkwenkwezi. The work at this year's NAF was captivating and reflected South Africa's current state. A play like Isilwane Esimnyama reminds the audience of the gruesome murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana at the Post Office, highlighting the country's Gender-Based Violence pandemic. Comedian Conrad Koch and Chester Missing's Puppet Power show, happening at NAF, as DA's Helen Zille gave President Cyril Ramaphosa a 48-hour deadline after he fired DA minister Andrew Whitefield, gave audiences a real-time reaction from a political commentator to what was currently happening in the country. The documentary Black Women and Sex, which recently won the Best Documentary Feature award at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) was also screened at the festival. The doccie follows three women: Zambian Iris Kaingu, South African Glow Makatsi, and Nigerian chef Olawumi Oloye, and their relationship to sex. Despite the town's size, the venues for shows are uniquely rich in history and culture. The Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, where the play Land of Nonesi was staged, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire town. The Black Power Station, situated just outside the town centre, is a revolutionary venue for artists and creatives to express themselves without inhibition. As a way of encouraging a culture of reading, patrons are encouraged to donate a book if they can't afford to pay for a ticket to a show at their venue; this has led to the Black Power Station becoming a library with hundreds of books in the venue, which also regularly hosts cultural events. NOW READ: Trombonist Siyasanga 'Siya' Charles excited to come back home for the National Arts Festival
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: Modise Sekgothe, a poet equipped in the exercise of digging deep and baring himself naked
Sekgothe debuted his latest work, 'Gabo Legwala', at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda last week. Poet Modise Sekgothe is equipped in the exercise of digging deep and baring himself naked. Picture: Supplied Writing in itself has prerequisites of some vulnerability. Jotting for artistic purposes, where one reflects on oneself, demands profound soul-searching and openness. 'I understand why I do it, and it's been at the core of my work for the past 10 years. I guess in a sense I'm equipped in the exercise of really digging deep and baring myself in naked and necessary ways,' poet Modise Sekgothe tells The Citizen. ALSO READ: Beaded tribute: Artist gifts Thabo Mbeki a 77 558-bead portrait for his birthday Sekgothe's vulnerability Sekgothe debuted his latest work, Gabo Legwala, at the ongoing National Arts Festival (NAF) in Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown. The work assesses the rites of passage that a young South African man undergoes as he grows up without a father figure. When translated, 'Gabo Legwala' means the coward's home. In full, the title, 'Gabo Legwala a golliwe', implies that the coward in question spares his loved ones from tragedy or mourning due to his aversion to combat. 'By staying out of trouble and walking away from conflict, he avoids harm, thus sparing his loved ones from the pain of loss,' Sekgothe shares. Throughout what he describes as a memoir disguised as a poem, masquerading as a play, Sekgothe takes audiences on a journey of carving out his manhood as a fatherless boy in Soweto. In one scene, audiences grimace when Sekgothe details the horror of a circumcision gone wrong, after deciding together with a friend who also doesn't have a father, that they would get circumcised. This is not uncommon in Sekgothe's work; yet, he says it never ceases to be challenging, as it requires him to be as open as he is. He says this bareness is necessary because individuals' stories aren't that unique. 'I think it's important for an artist-depends on what they want to do-to be willing to give up some of that privacy because the cause is significant and the cause is to kind of almost allows other people the freedom to engage the part of themselves that they don't want to engage –that someone else is just as flawed as I am,' he shares. Although the piece is centred around him and sketches out his manhood despite the paucity of male figures in his life, the work highlights the role that his mother and three sisters played in his upbringing. Whether it was how his sisters walked him to school when he was young or his mother's hot, routinely prepared porridge each morning before school, he honoured them. 'I was writing this work really about the absent father, but then it is the same breath that points to the very present mother. So, there's a way that I think is a tribute to these women that raised me,' he says. However, only one of his sisters is now living, having lost his two other siblings and his mother. ALSO READ: Trombonist Siyasanga 'Siya' Charles excited to come back home for the National Arts Festival The Standard Bank Young Artist award Earlier this year, Sekgothe was named among the six winners of the Standard Bank Young Artist award (SBYA). All six recipients, from diverse disciplines including dance, jazz, theatre, visual art, poetry, and music, receive national exposure, financial support for their work, and a cash prize. The art festival in Makhanda is where these artists present their new work. Because of its prestige, the award comes with a weight of pressure. 'The highest pressure point for me with this work was the work itself and how much it took to get it ready and the time constraints we had,' Sekgothe says. The writer was more concerned with the integrity of the work, although he admits to the pressures of being an SBYA winner. 'There's too much fixation on how do we get the work right [than] to pay too much attention to what's around it because I think in many ways the Standard Bank award situation and all of that it's a big part of the context within which the work is happening but if the work does not have its integrity, then all of that is secondary.' 'But I'd be lying if I said I didn't appreciate the magnitude of the context, because, to be honest, if it flopped, it would be a huge flop.' Among those he worked with to put together Gabo Legwala, Sekgothe roped in renowned theatre practitioners, Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana, affectionately known as The Theatre Duo. 'I felt great support and I felt confident in what I was attempting, from these other brothers,' said Sekgothe. Having previous SBYA winners, The Theatre Duo, helped Sekgothe in some ways, as they know the pressure of holding the title. The Theatre Duo won the SBYA for Theatre in 2022. 'Being a recipient of the award as well, I had to carry that with him, but carry it with ease…and also sometimes not be driven by that pressure but acknowledge that pressure is there,' said Mokgonyana. ALSO READ: From heartbreak to triumph: Amanda Seome's journey to starring in Shaka iLembe's Ndwandwe clan The Brotherhood As Gabo Legwala portrays Sekgothe's life outside his home, where the four women in his life shielded him. The narrative also takes audiences to the streets of Soweto, where the poet found a sense of brotherhood among his friends. In one part of the performance, which presents itself as comic relief, Sekgothe speaks about his love for martial arts and how that made him shine bright within his band of brothers, who brought something different to the table. 'We respect each other as men in very different ways. In others, we respect bravery, in others, we respect just talent and skill, intelligence and all of these other things,' Sekgothe shares. While his other friends shone and found their place within the brotherhood through their bravado and being 'tough,' he found his place in the serene, playful moments. 'When we kind of allow ourselves to connect and appreciate each other for the things that we're good at, then we support each other in the areas that we aren't so strong.' There wasn't a paucity of this brotherhood even in the making of the work. 'Through the making of the work, I got to see him as well beyond the work as a brother, I can share laughter with,' shares Th Theatre Duo's Mokgonyana. 'In this project with Modise, we didn't just come through as creatives; we were also providing the support in terms of production and many other things, so that he doesn't have the pressure of thinking about many other things.' Mokgonyana directed Gabo Legwala, with Langa contributing from afar because he's on tour for other work. Gabo Legwala has a harmony of disciplines. It was more than a poetry experience, but a holistic performance. Multi-instrumentalist Yogin Sullaphen provided the sound, whether it was music or the sounds of prison cells, when one of Sekgothe's friends spoke about their father in jail. At the same time, Phumla Siyobi's vocals and stage presence brought about a motherly harmony. 'I've always been interested in its [poetry] relationship to music, theatre, to visual arts and so on. I chose to reach out to Theatre Duo because I understood they a very good at understanding the language of poetry in the theatre,' said Sekgothe. NOW READ: 'The betrayal is painful': Simphiwe Dana on people stealing from her
Daily Maverick
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Showstoppers — SA culture takes the stage as musical gods descend on Makhanda
Bespoke shows tell stories of jazz, soul and classics at this year's National Arts Festival. The National Arts Festival (NAF) is under way in Makhanda until 6 July and, as usual, the musical offering is the talk of the Eastern Cape town. With performances from the likes of The Soil, the South African National Jazz Orchestra and Eastern Cape native Dumza Maswana, to name a few, the musical gods are descending on the little town that has become a mecca of South African artistic culture. The curated programme includes Muneyi, who won the 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year Award for Music. He is sure to steal the show with two productions: The Beginning and Sip and Cry. The former is a three-part sonic and visual journey. It weaves together work from Muneyi's debut album, Makhulu, which is an ode to his grandmother, with unreleased pieces from upcoming projects. Sip and Cry is described as the artist presenting a 'soft space to feel deeply and drink slowly'. Attendees will also be clamouring to see The Soil when the popular trio grace the Guy Butler Theatre stage. The show promises to be a heartfelt celebration of their 18-year journey, filled with music, nostalgia and a renewed vision for the future. Unlike the a cappella performances they have been known for, the group will be joined by a live band. From early classics to the fresh sounds from their award-winning album Reimagined, this performance will blend the old and the new in a way that only The Soil can. The work of Bongani Ndodana-Breen will be sure to draw attention in Credo. Written with librettist Brent Meersman, Credo is a multimedia oratorio that is a testament to the Freedom Charter, which turns 70 this year. With the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kwantu choir, soloists and a multimedia component, this is a not-to-be-missed experience for all ages. Lovers of jazz will not be disappointed as Maswana, a jazz musician, singer and songwriter, presents The Umngqungqo Orchestral Experience. In a captivating blend of indigenous music and jazz with a 20-piece orchestra, conducted by Sakhile Simani and directed by Mthokozisi Mabuza, Maswana will perform a carefully curated selection of songs from his albums, as well as new music. He is known for his deep baritone voice and fusion of traditional African rhythms, spirituality and jazz, and attendees are encouraged to come 'dressed to impress' for a stylish celebration of heritage and culture. The South African National Jazz Orchestra was established in 2024 as a joint initiative of the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The orchestra's NAF debut pays homage to Eastern Cape jazz classics of soul jazzmen and Matshikiza brothers Todd and Pat in its first segment, before closing with a tribute to the late Stompie Mavi. The Matshikiza brothers were prominent musicians who hailed from Queenstown in the province, and Mavi was born in Ngqamakhwe, a village about 130km from Queenstown. He died in Gqeberha and was buried in KwaZakhele. They were all jazz and pop stalwarts of their time, and their contribution to township jazz from the 1960s all the way to the 2000s is an important feature of the heritage of the genre and its unique identity. This show is a unique opportunity to learn and listen to what they imprinted on South African culture. Notable returnees are The Wits Trio – pianist Malcolm Nay, violinist Zanta Hofmeyr and cellist Susan Mouton – who are performing their work War and Peace. They will be playing Beethoven's 'Archduke Trio', Piano Trio Op. 97, and Shostakovich's Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67, so lovers of classical music are in for a treat. The music continues to be a highlight at the NAF, with original and bespoke pieces always drawing much attention. This year will be no different and it will undoubtedly remind attendees why the festival is still going strong 51 years later. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Rhodes University enhances cultural engagement at the National Arts Festival 2025
A scene from Umbhobho – The Red Pipe, an Empatheatre production built from true stories and designed within the framework of Life Orientation education. Image: Rhodes University This year, Rhodes University is reaffirming its commitment to cultural engagement by significantly enhancing its long-standing relationship with the National Arts Festival (NAF). Set against the vibrant backdrop of Makhanda, the university's diverse offerings are rich in research, pedagogy, and performance, shaping a national dialogue on art's role in reflecting and addressing pressing social justice issues. At the core of Rhodes' 2025 programme lies a powerful theme of historical reflection, prominently featured in the stirring play A Childhood in Chalk. Crafted by the Drama and Education departments, this narrative entwines childhood memories with the unsettling realities of political resistance, recalling the school boycotts in Fingo Village from 1975 to 1985. Educators Thembela Madliki and Phemelo Hellemann lend emotional depth and scholarly rigor to the production, inviting audiences to confront the upheaval experienced during extraordinary times. Meanwhile, Umbhobho – The Red Pipe, an Empatheatre production helmed by Rhodes Master's student Siphosethu Mankai, harnesses storytelling to address self-development and identity. Blending real-life accounts into dramatic form, it offers a heartfelt introspection into the human experience through the lens of Life Orientation education, encouraging viewers to reflect on their personal journeys. The integration of art and science finds compelling expression in Layers and Light, a unique exhibition by artist Ingrid Schudel. Presented at the Old Gaol on Somerset Street (now Hand Made Coffees), Schudel's work challenges viewers to engage with themes of entropy and order. Drawing from her research in environmental education, the exhibition invites a deep reflection on knowledge and our ecological responsibilities, urging the community to consider their role in environmental stewardship. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Impact and Influence of Steve Biko on Creative Arts Activism invites reflection on the philosophical grounding of Black Consciousness in contemporary artistic practice. Led by Rhodes University alumnus Sanele kaNtshingana, the conversation centres cultural activism as a living, evolving force. Image: Rhodes University In addition to artistic showcases, the festival acts as a catalyst for public dialogue and political engagement. One such conversation, The Impact and Influence of Steve Biko on Creative Arts Activism, led by Rhodes alumnus Sanele kaNtshingana, explores the transformative power of Black Consciousness in contemporary artistic practices. This discussion aims to inspire a new generation of artists to harness their creativity for social change. Rhodes Music Radio (RMR 89.7 FM) also takes centre stage with its collaborative event, Tuning into Creativity: The Interplay of Radio and The Arts. Moderated by station manager Unathi Koboka, this lively discussion delves into the symbiotic relationship between broadcast and visual arts, illustrating how cultural production resonates economically and politically within communities. Performance art makes a profound statement with Emotional Black Male, a one-man comedy performance by Thumamna "Uncool Tea" Sibhozo. This acclaimed artist employs humour and vulnerability to unpack toxic masculinity and emotional trauma, offering a candid perspective that resonates with many, particularly young creatives in Makhanda. Music plays a pivotal role in this year's festival as well. Echoes Across Continents, a recital by PhD candidate Belinda de Villiers, traverses a musical journey from Europe to Africa. In contrast, Gedichte der Seele, featured in the Spiritfest programme, provides a meditative experience through classical Lieder by Rhodes lecturers Devon Florence and Garreth Robertson, reminding audiences of music's timeless emotional capacity. Emotional Black Male, a one-man comedy by Thumamna "Uncool Tea" Sibhozo. A celebrated voice on RMR, Sibhozo dissects toxic masculinity and emotional trauma with humour, vulnerability, and incisive wit. Image: Rhodes University Community engagement remains a focal point, exemplified by Butterfly Heart/Serurubele, a production designed to facilitate conversations about grief and healing among children and adults alike. Addressing themes of loss, memory, and recovery, it deeply connects with local families and schools, enhancing the festival's outreach. Emerging voices from Rhodes University's postgraduate cohort showcase their talents in new plays like Wounds and The Dinner, providing critical insights into issues such as gender-based violence and intimate relationships. These performances underscore the importance of creative research in interrogating power and vulnerability. The Eastern Cape Literature Festival complements the NAF offerings with a compelling discussion featuring Rhodes alumna Unathi Nkayi alongside respected literary figures Dr John Kani and Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha. The event unites literature, music, and performance, illustrating the potent intersection of storytelling as a political and cultural force. With 120 years of academic excellence embedded within the community of Makhanda, Rhodes University's contributions to the 2025 NAF highlight its dedication to merging art with research, protest, and imagination. This year's programme challenges participants to consider the complexities of learning and creativity in a city rich with contradictions and beauty. To explore the full festival programme, visit the NAF 2025 webpage.
