Ebubeleni Festival - A Virtual Extravaganza

Ebubeleni Festival, a leading brand in the South African live performing arts offerings scene, keeps on delivering world-class live entertainment.

The signature lifestyle-driven event occupies a special place in the social life of thousands of cultural tourists from far and near the host city of Nelson Mandela Bay. Amid the Covid19 epidemic, Ebubeleni producers continue to cater to the needs of the ever-growing and loyal followers of the event. The longest-running festival in Nelson Mandela Bay unfolds in a form that complies with Covid19 health and safety protocols.

In keeping with the reputation for pushing the envelope and delivering new levels of entertainment, Ebubeleni Music Festival producers present a first in 2020. Recorded on November 26 and 27 at Boardwalk Convention Centre in Port Elizabeth, The EBUBELENI FESTIVAL™ - A Virtual Extravaganza has the television viewer in mind. The set of the Virtual Extravaganza got packaged for a presentation that feels real and live. It is a splendid serving of a globally competitive production featuring choreography by dancers that magically move in a kaleidoscope of color to performances by top pop musicians.

“From the onset, the objective was to create an interactive platform to engage and entertain our patrons with a dance and music TV show. It is similar to an awards ceremony without the award element – the first of its kind,” said Ebubeleni Festival Director, Marc Mahambehlala. Mahambehlala went on to add: “Also, the creative industries have been hit hard by the sudden emergence of Covid-19. So, the other intention was to contribute to the creation of much-needed employment and income-generating opportunities for artists based in Nelson Mandela Bay, national artists, sound, stage, and creative production workers.”

“I would like to thank all our sponsors who trusted us in putting this massive production together big up to The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape Tourism and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, this production was not going to be realised without their support and sponsorship” Mahambehlala concluded.

Lee-Che Janecke, the current Idols SA Choreographer, was tasked with holding dance auditions in October. He selected fifteen dancers from Nelson Mandela Bay that formed a group he finely put through their paces. The troupe was so much in sync with the music that they became the highlight of the show.

There were outstanding performances given in their sets with top stars such as Mafikizolo, Amanda Black, and Vusi Nova. All the lead artists got backed by a fantastic band comprising of only the Nelson Mandela Bay-based leading instrumentalists and vocalists. The foremost musical director, Edgar Muzah, selected and marshaled the band. The inclusion of legendary award winning guitarist, Lawrence Matshiza who relocated back home in Port Elizabeth a few years ago, completed the band. Muzah was also in charge of the direction and flavor of the repertoire of The EBUBELENI FESTIVAL™ - A Virtual Extravaganza.

A limited number of guests observed social distancing at the recording that had its success characterized by the smooth running of the program.

Vivacious Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung hosted the show. Other outstanding performances and collaborations include those of Mapara A Jazz – John Vuli Gate, Nomcebo Zikode, Kamo Mphela, Black Diamond, and Ami Faku. Viewers also stand to be thrilled by Yanga Chief, Dee Koala, Sleeze, Moonchild Sanelly, Poetic Soul, Zain SA, SOA Mattrix and Soulful G.

Song and dance were at the heart and soul of the 2020 EBUBELENI FESTIVAL™ - A Virtual Extravaganza. Reflected in the track selection is the theme of the 9th annual festival - iBhayi BOLD, iBhayi BRAVE. EBUBELENI FESTIVAL™ - A Virtual Extravaganza also applauds the bravery and sacrifice of frontline health workers. Celebrated through the festival is the coming of a new year filled with hope, health, and optimism.

The EBUBELENI FESTIVAL™ - A Virtual Extravaganza is scheduled for broadcast at 20h00 on the 30th of December 2020 on Channel O – Africa's leading music channel on DSTV Channel 320, The home of the Young, Gifted and African… Music Over Everything.

The Ebubeleni Festival 2020 - A Virtual Extravaganza is brought to you by The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape Tourism, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Mahambehlala Communications.