News

Arts Awake concert to gather blankets for Swaziland’s poor

By Ralph Louis Smit

06 Jul 2016 - 10:47

In 2014, a group of artists in Swaziland started a movement to help their fellow artists by expanding opportunities to perform. Termed Arts Awake, the movement has since gained significant public recognition by providing artists with a platform to share their work.

Beko the Storyteller (left) and Khole will perform at Arts Awake in Swaziland. Photo: Arts Awake

Rooted in principles of social responsibility and artist-driven change, Arts Awake has initiated a number of projects in outlying communities and frequently addresses social issues in its shows.

Its monthly shows at the Mbabane Theatre Club in Swaziland’s capital, have seen many seasoned artists as well as up-and-comers share the stage.

On Friday 8 July, Arts Awake will host an evening that aims to raise over 100 blankets for a refugee centre in Mphaka that is in dire need of support, especially during the winter months. The refugees come from Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo and elsewhere.

The headlining artist is one of the two founders of the movement, Musa Ndzinisa, a poet, musician and playwright. Other local performers include Afro-jazz singer Khole, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Gabriel D, MC Psycholution, trumpeter Ralph Smit, poets Beko the Storyteller (the other founding member of Arts Awake), Dzeli the Poet and Sbu J, comedian Mdura, contemporary dancer Sepati Jonga and others.

The show starts at 7:30pm. Attendees are urged to donate blankets or E100 as entrance.

Sponsors – including Hybrid Sound, Mbabane Theatre Club, Tall Tree Management, Pacific, all the artists and other corporate sponsors – have all donated their services to help raise as many blankets as possible.

For more details see the Arts Awake Facebook page or email artsawake.sz@gmail.com.