The Essence Festival is hitting SA shores once again and will be taking place in the warm and friendly city of Durban. The Essence Durban Festival is a joint venture between the City of Durban and Times Inc. An Essence Durban Festival media breakfast was held on Wednesday 19 July at The Joint Jazz Café, South Beach in Durban, and it was hosted by the illustrious Nomzamo Mbatha.

Firing Africa with Inspiration

The Essence Festival will be taking place in September and this year’s theme is Firing Africa with Inspiration. The first phase line-up for the festival has been announced and features some of SA’s talented artists, you can expect to see the likes of Nasty C and Joyous Celebration and Gospel ID Finalists providing the musical entertainment. The brilliant Somizi ‘Somgaga’ Mhlongo will also be making an appearance at the festival, and talks will be given by Bishop TD Jakes and Reverend Al Sharpton. The ICC will be the place to be from September 26 – 1 October 2017. 

Mayor of eThekwini municipality, Councilor Zandile Gumede highlighted that the ESSENCE Durban Festival not only benefits Kwazulu-Natal communities but also the city’s economy at large. “The ESSENCE Durban Festival programme is diverse, informative, thought provoking and fun. It is focused on talent, cultural, economic and business development which connect with many people,” she said. Last year the festival drew an astonishing 60,000 attendees from across the country, injecting over R230 million into the province’s GDP. “We are proud to partner with Time Inc. because we are both equally passionate about communities, economic empowerment, youth development and wellness,” added Gumede.

More than just a musical extravaganza

The Essence Festival is about so much more than just music and entertainment. Attendees can expect an innovative component that includes tech & business showcases; property, art & crafts; lifestyle, wellness, food & travel, and beauty, fashion & style.

Those who will be heading to the Essence Festival this year can look forward to Business workshops by SA’s own business and inspirational leaders; Dr. Judy Dlamini, Khaya Dlanga, Ntombenhle Khatwane, Johanna Mukoki, Phuti Mahanyele and Bongi Shangase.

This year there is also an incredible line-up of artists and book writers in the literary arts festival titled ARTiculate.  SA’s very own columnist and writer Fred Khumalo will speak in panels alongside other popular writers such as Deon Meyer and academics like Ashwin Desai, Prof Jonathan Jansen and Judge Chris Nicholson. Chris Hani’s daughter, Lindiwe Hani, will share from her latest book, alongside international authors Christopher Merrill and Catherine Chidgey. There will also be talks given by artists such as Greg Maronovich.

This year’s festival promises to be nothing less than exciting, entertaining and enriching.

You do not want to miss out.

Leave a Reply