In celebrating 30 years of democracy, businessman China Mpololo is set to host the ‘Xhosa Music Awards’ on July 27 at the Artscape in Cape Town.
The Xhosa Music Awards, aims to honour and spotlight the rich culture of Xhosa music and dance.
In an interview with TshisaLIVE, Mpololo said this event seeks to recognise the incredible contributions of Xhosa artists and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Xhosa style, paying tribute to the deep traditions of this South African tribe.
“All of them, Ringo, Simphiwe Dana, Vusi Nova, Lusanda, they never had the opportunity of being celebrated by our tribe. It is essential for us to take the initiative and create the environment for people to celebrate the icons and legends for the good work they've done in flying high the flag of the Xhosa nation, hence we say siqala ekhaya (we are starting from home),” he said.
Mpololo has also said this awards ceremony will recognise the exceptional artists and cultural significance of Xhosa music and dance, providing a platform to acknowledge and appreciate the huge contributions of Xhosa culture to the music industry.
“The Xhosa Music Awards is a platform to reintroduce Xhosa people and Africans globally to the beauty of who they are, their music, dance, language and so on. The Xhosa Music Awards will initially honour and celebrate music and dance,” he said.
He has also shared that this event has been planned for the Eastern Cape, where most Xhosa-speaking people are from, but unfortunately they have not been able to find a venue.
“The second option was Cape Town. When we told people this year we were celebrating 30 years of democracy, the untold stories began with the planning of the awards to recognise our own icons and legends,” Mpololo said.
The Xhosa Music Awards categories include album of democracy, best traditional gospel artists of democracy, best selling album of democracy, male artist of democracy, best female live performer of democracy, best jazz artist of democracy, best female of democracy, best male live performer of democracy and the public’s favourite song of democracy.
IOL Lifestyle