Splashing out – Hines at Bay water fest

IN A major coup for the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival, Canadian singer Justin Hines will thrill fans with his only public performance in South Africa at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth on April 23.

Hines, whose moving single Say What You Will is currently receiving extensive airplay on Algoa FM, will lead an exciting Easter weekend line-up of national and local artists.

“Nelson Mandela Bay is privileged to have such an inspiring star perform exclusively in our city,” said Mandlakazi Skefile, Nelson Mandela Bay chief executive. “We need more events like this where performers choose Nelson Mandela Bay for their sole performance in the country, drawing tourists from around South Africa to the city.”

The singer-songwriter is wheelchair-bound as he suffers from the rare genetic condition, Larsen syndrome. “I know my physical situation is a bit of an attention grabber, but, as an artist and performer, it is my job to hold the audience’s attention and let the music speak for itself.”

His South African representative, Bronwen Nel, said Hines had been “blown away” by the South African remix of the single, which featured stirring additional vocals by the Port Elizabeth-based Services Seta Siyaya Learner Choir and the Key Note and Allegro acapella groups.

Nel said Hines’ team was so inspired when they came to shoot the local music video that they asked how they could give back to the community. Vocalist Michael Grootboom suggested that the singer rally support and assistance for his struggling alma mater – Despatch Primary School.

The result was the “JustInspired 2011” campaign, which will see 20 additional township schools receive mini-makeovers in 11 days. Hines will be in Nelson Mandela Bay to wrap up the campaign documentary when he performs at the festival.

The full programme of entertainment kicks off on Friday, April 22, with a blend of contemporary gospel and traditional rhythms from the energetic Watoto Children’s Choir. The Ugandan group travels the world raising support for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.

They will be followed in the evening by some authentic South African flavour in the form of Afrikaans artists Jakkie Louw and Gerard Steyn of “Baby Tjoklits” fame. On the Saturday afternoon, Hines takes to the stage at 4pm, backed by PE’s very own New Afro Teens.

Following his performance, Pretoria rock band Wrestlerish will pump up the crowds ahead of the fireworks display at 8pm, with hometown hero Loyiso Bala keeping the vocal pyrotechnics going after that.

According to programme coordinator David Limbert the Splash Comedy Festival on the Sunday evening “will have audience members in stitches” as funnymen Barry Hilton, Kurt Schoonraad, Roland Gaspar and comedienne Tumi Morake set about tickling their funny bones.The legendary Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels end the festival on a high note after the closing ceremony on Monday.

Watersports activities will also be high on the agenda. This year’s Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival will brim with international watersports action. From April 22 to 25, some of the top local talent and a smattering of world champions are expected to stream in and entertain the crowds.

The festival dives straight into the action on Good Friday with the 26-kilometre Nelson Mandela Bay Surf Ski Classic. Two-time defending champion Dawid Mocke and PE-based Beijing Olympian Michéle Eray will be back to defend their titles with an eye on the R30 000 prize purse.

On the Saturday, over R50 000 is up for grabs in the Nelson Mandela Bay Bell Buoy Challenge. To ensure the safety of all participants in this tough open water swim, the eight-kilometre race will now follow an L-shaped out-and-back course between Hobie and Pollok beaches.


Last year, open water world champions Petar Stoychev of Bulgaria – who is credited with the fastest crossing of the English Channel – and Melissa Gorman from Australia took the men’s and women’s honours respectively.

“This event is fast becoming one of the most prestigious open water swims in Africa,” said the festival’s watersports coordinator Michael Zoetmulder. “Of course, with 22 species of shark in these warm waters, it’s also one of the most daunting.”

Zoetmulder said the challenge, labelled an eco-swim, would also be used to highlight Algoa Bay’s bid to become a World Heritage Site. “This is the perfect platform for showcasing its biodiversity.”

Aspiring swimming stars will get a chance to shine at the kilometre-long Izani Siqubhe Swim on the Sunday. The event is aimed at promoting previously disadvantaged swimmers and offers cash prizes to the top finishers in the development category.

Prior to the festival, these youngsters will have the opportunity to attend coaching clinics under the auspices of the Masakhane Future Stars programme and rub shoulders with the sport’s elite.

The watersports schedule culminates on the Monday with the action-packed King and Queen of the Bay. This crowd-pleaser comprises a number of events such as an elimination swim over five rounds of 500m each, beach flags, beach sprints and Malibu board.

The top male and female swimmers will receive R3 000, with R2 000 going to winners in each of the remaining events.

“A lot of fit and bored triathletes will be looking for something to do after the Ironman,” said Zoetmulder. “We hope they’ll come down in their numbers and be part of the action.”

All watersports events are open to the public. Prospective entrants can visit www.splashfestival.com or contact the Zports office on 041 484 7860. For festival information, phone 041 393 4800 or join the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival Facebook page.