The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth held its annual meeting in Kampala, Uganda in January 2024. The conference focused on topics such as climate change, diversity and inclusivity in parliaments, security measures, and the role of speakers and presiding officers in building consensus for parliamentary business. Beyond political and academic significance, the event provided a platform for diverse voices and informal networking opportunities. The event celebrated the diversity of the Commonwealth’s parliamentary institutions and reaffirmed the crucial role that parliamentary figures play in shaping the future of democracy.
Cape Town’s Cultural Gala: The Cape Malay Choir Road March and Tweede Nuwe Jaar Parade
Get ready for a lively start to the New Year in Cape Town with the annual Cape Malay Choir Board Road March and Tweede Nuwe Jaar Minstrel Parade. Over 35 Malay choirs will parade through the city on December 31st, while on January 2nd, approximately 20,000 minstrel performers will entertain crowds of around 80,000 spectators. Both events reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving it for future generations, with safety protocols in place to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees and participants.
The Journey to Jazz Festival is a transformative event in Leeuw Gamka, South Africa, that empowers local youth and celebrates the culture of the region. The festival offers more than just music, with gourmet food and wine, art displays, storytelling sessions, and environmental wonders. Led by renowned jazz pianist Kyle Shepherd, the festival promises to be a diverse and exceptional program, with the potential inclusion of some of the biggest names in local and international jazz.
Get ready for the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, the most prestigious annual equestrian event in South Africa, taking place on January 6, 2024, at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town. This festival offers a seamless blend of social interactions and thrilling horse racing, with topnotch thoroughbreds competing for the coveted title of L’Ormarins King’s Plate champion. Additionally, attendees can participate in the Best Dressed competition, fringe events, and the afterparty, making for a truly memorable experience. Tickets are available for purchase at varying prices, depending on the access level desired.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is an annual event attracting cyclists from all over the world. With two routes to choose from, the tour caters to all levels of experience. The event takes place on the streets of Cape Town, closed to motorized vehicles for 24 hours, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for participants. The event is also a charitable cause to raise funds for the Pedal Power Association and the Rotary Club of Claremont.
Get ready for a vibrant and energetic performance of ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ presented by Pinelands Players at the Artscape in Cape Town from February 3 to 18, 2024. Directed by awardwinning Kyla Thorburn and under the guidance of musical director Barend van der Westhuizen, this show promises to break traditional barriers with its unique charm and hit songs like ‘Omigod You Guys’ and ‘So Much Better.’ Pinelands Players has a rich sevendecade history of delivering professionalquality performances, and this show is no exception. Secure your seats now!
Get ready for the revival of the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ in Cape Town City Hall on March 16 and 17, 2024. This musical extravaganza includes a fusion of classical and modern music, with a theme of ‘Roccover Beethoven,’ and features the Cape Town Proms Orchestra, two solo performers, four unique choirs, and the Cape Town Highlanders. The event is expected to sell out, so grab your tickets early and join in the celebration of music’s power and unity.
Renowned South African music icon Simphiwe Dana postponed her concert in Gqeberha due to logistical hindrances, but she apologized for the inconvenience and promised to deliver a magnificent performance. Fans eagerly await the rescheduled date, as Dana has a reputation for captivating performances and establishing a deep connection with her listeners. Despite the delay, her fans remain excited and supportive of her commitment to her art and her audience, making the forthcoming performance one to look forward to.
South African music ensemble, the Soul Brothers, withdrew from the Ziyakhala Music Festival in Zimbabwe, due to allegations of contract violation and misrepresentation by the festival organizers. The unexpected departure left fans disappointed and posed logistical hurdles for the organizers, but they remain determined to salvage the event by arranging a fresh roster of performers. The incident highlights the importance of transparency and integrity in contractual arrangements in the cultural sector.
The Helderberg Night Market in Strand Square is a community celebration featuring live performances, street food, and locally crafted merchandise. It showcases the region’s artistic vitality and offers a platform for local artisans to display their talents. The market also bolsters the local economy and offers a vital lifeline to local traders. It’s a vibrant and welcoming space that promotes local talent and creativity.
The Helderberg Night Market is a festive event held annually in Strand Square. It offers a diverse range of local talent, artisan goods, and food from the Helderberg region. With performances, delicious food, and unique treasures, the market is a familyfriendly destination that helps boost the local economy. Don’t miss out on the magical experience on December 21 and 22, 2023.
Scottish poprock band Deacon Blue will perform in South Africa for the first time in February, offering an unforgettable experience for fans and music enthusiasts. The band will cover their complete chronicle of hits, including charttoppers like “Real Gone Kid” and “Twist & Shout”. Deacon Blue’s unique fusion of rock, pop, jazz, blues, Celtic soul, and folk music has secured their spot at the pinnacle of music charts.
The White House hosted a starstudded holiday party attended by luminaries from various fields, including politics, music, and reality television. Guests included Nene Leakes, E40, Yo Gotti, Angela Simmons, Benjamin Crump, and Emilio Estefan, while President Joe Biden also made an appearance. The party was a memorable fusion of glamour, music, and holiday magic, offering a welcome respite from the intense political climate.
Disney and LIFT partnered up to turn an ordinary airplane ride into a fairy tale experience for children on a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The children submitted their Christmas wishes to Disney’s “Wish Agents” before boarding the flight, and upon landing, they were welcomed with an arena of dreams where they received their wishedfor gifts, a Mickey plush, and a Disney+ subscription. This initiative was a tribute to the magic of dreams that Disney has brought to its audience for over a century.
Loyiso Gola, a celebrated comedian from Cape Town, is returning to his roots to present an anticipated standup comedy series from December 15, 2023, to January 15, 2024. Gola fearlessly delves into South Africa’s triumphs and trials, incorporating personal tales and a unique spin on annual events, offering a raw and hilarious examination of the year. Fans can experience his magic at the Homecoming Centre, District Six, and witness Gola’s irresistible charisma and acute humor promise a humorous journey through South Africa’s turbulent 2023.
Russian hiphop artist Oxxxymiron’s “Beauty and Ugliness” global tour is set to reach Cape Town in January 2024, marking his first performance in South Africa. The tour is a tribute to his creative philosophy and a quest to reunite with the Russian diaspora scattered across the globe. Oxxxymiron’s music, which spans the entire hiphop spectrum, provides comfort and unity to those unsettled by recent upheavals, and his concert promises to be a celebration of artistic liberty and a tribute to the transformative power of music that transcends national boundaries.