Elretha Britz

The celebration of the ANC’s centenary at its national conference that will take place in Bloemfontein during December is probably the inspiration for the Macufe programme, to which one can look forward to for the first time in 15 years.

This arts festival have, for the past 14 years, been disappointing for a number of reasons, but with the well-known artistes that will be performing it might just  live up to what has been promised.

The international stars that will grace the stages in Bloemfontein are Angie Stone, Randy Crawford and Joe Sample.

Among the South African singers who will perform at the festival, are Zahara, Lira, Letta Mbulu, Loyiso Bala, Sibongile Mngoma, Gloria Bosman, Elvis Blue, Heinz Winkler and Jimmy Dludlu.

Free State artistes include the Bochabela String Orchestra, Thabo Pitse, Monica Maree, the Jimmy Roos Gumboot Dancers, the Valley of a Thousand Voices and Deda.

The theatre offerings include jazz concerts, a comedy festival, a Divas Concert and a theatre production about South Africa’s freedom struggle.

• Macufe will be held in theatres in Bloemfontein from 5 to 14 October.