The Cape Town Arts Festival (CTAF) is home to a host of creativity and cultural diversity. Among the many programmes, workshops and exciting events happening at the Castle of Good Hope on 9 & 10 December, is the eagerly awaited ‘Buskers’ showcase, which will take place on the Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Busking, or street performing as it is also known, has a long and proud history, going as far back as the Medieval period, or further, when talented musicians were hired by storeowners to promote their wares. Mostly, buskers were travelling entertainers who went from town to town to amuse and divert the people and carrying the news of the day.
Looking to revive the respect this venerable tradition once had, and place buskers firmly on the modern entertainment stage, Yusuf Ganief, CEO of CTAF created the Beyond Busking project two years ago. The project involves a 12-week intensive programme whereby eight (8) buskers from Cape Town have undergone vocal training, stage presence enhancement, life coaching, song writing, guitar lessons, and music production.
Ganief believes that: “Artists and musicians are the Zeitgeist (national spirit) of South Africa, and they deserve to be recognised as such. Cape Town buskers are diverse and bring their unique cultural perspectives to the city’s spaces, communities, and tourists.”
As an example of the reach and success of the project, in 2022, Khayelitsha-based singer/songwriter Zanie Mdloyi, was spotted and invited to perform and tour Spain for 6-months. Ganief says of this opportunity, that: “launching one of our Beyond Busking graduates internationally, is a dream come true for what we wanted to achieve with this project. I believe that in 2023, we will have even more talent ready to take off and showcase their undeniable creativity to the world.”
Buskers performing at this year’s showcase include:
- Divine Mahara
- Dylan Red
- Iviwe Nkopo
- Thami Baba
- Nosicelo Mbili
- Thomas Rynhardt
- Vukile Moya
- Vernon White
Other innovation programmes that the CTAF has established include a Digital Media and Marketing course, and an Events and Arts Administration Programme in Philippi.
Formerly known as the Cape Town Festival, the Cape Town Arts Festival has evolved into a year-round initiative featuring projects and a variety of innovative training programmes, the pinnacle of which is the Beyond Busking Day.
The CTAF is a celebration showcasing a vibrant line-up of music, mime, poetry, Zumba, yoga, Tai Chi, live painting, live sculpting, a wellness and food market, and a Cape craft exhibition. Renowned local musicians, including headliners YoungstaCPT, Dee Koala, DJ Ready D, and Candice Thornton, will join top buskers to entertain and uplift audiences of all ages. Best of all, it’s free for all the family.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the transformation of busking into a cultural phenomenon and experience the vibrancy of this year’s buskers at the Castle of Good Hope. Join us in celebrating the arts and the rich tapestry of South African talent.
The Cape Town Arts Festival is made possible through the support of its sponsors: The Department of Sports Arts and Culture, Ariva Arts Foundation NPC, the Western Cape Government, the Castle of Good Hope, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the City of Cape Town.
Busker Bios:
Divine Mahara: Singer/songwriter Divine Mahara, seamlessly blends folk, Afropop, Americana, and elements from his Zimbabwean heritage into his music. Displaying a distinct artistic style and captivating vocals, Mahara has graced numerous music stages, leaving a lasting impact. Drawing inspiration from his Zimbabwean roots, his musical prowess has drawn comparisons to iconic figures like Marvin Gaye, George Ezra, and Oliver Mtukudzi, especially after securing victory on Zimbabwe’s Got Talent in 2014. Presently, Divine Mahara’s debut album, “Made Under a Tree,” is available for streaming on all major online platforms, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in his remarkable musical journey.
Dylan Red: Dylan, is a singer/songwriter born in Cape Town, is a versatile musician who plays multiple instruments and has been a professional musician since 2016. Currently, he dedicates himself full-time to music, performing at both public and private events. His musical journey began when he auditioned and honed his skills as a busker at the V&A Waterfront in December 2016. Dylan offers a diverse repertoire of covers spanning multiple genres. However, his original music is characterized by a fusion of funk, blues, folk, and pop influences. Notably, he has incorporated a loop station, reminiscent of Ed Sheeran’s performances. Dylan’s musical education includes achieving Grade-5 certification in Music Theory from The London College of Music. He has released a 12-track album titled “First Take,” featuring original compositions.
Most recently, he has had the privilege of opening for notable artists such as Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and sharing the stage with renowned acts like Biggy, Springbok Nude Girls, Loufi, Loki Rothman, and others at the Head For The Hills event in collaboration with BMW Motorrad.
Iviwe Nkopo: Widely recognized as ‘Ivee Soul,’ Iviwe is a versatile artist, proficient as a guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist. Born on August 18th in Tembisa and now a resident of Strand, her musical journey commenced at the age of 8 when she became an integral part of her school choir, often taking the spotlight as a soloist. In 2018, she joined an acapella group in Strand, further refining her musical talents. Iviwe Soul took her first steps as a solo artist in 2021, marking a significant milestone in her artistic career. Since then, she has graced various venues across Cape Town, captivating audiences with her performances. Additionally, she lent her vocal talents as a backup singer at Drama Factory, showcasing her versatility and skill.
In 2022, Iviwe achieved acclaim by being nominated for “Best Female Vocalist of the Year” at the Look At God Music Awards, emerging victorious from a pool of five talented contestants. Beyond her musical prowess, Iviwe is also a freelance graphic designer and an active member of the Lwandle Arts Forum, diversifying her creative talents. Currently, she is dedicated to honing her craft and establishing herself as a prominent brand within the music industry, promising a future filled with musical brilliance.
Thami Baba: Originally from Grahamstown (now known as Makhanda), Thami began her journey in Financial Management but soon found her heart in the arts. She underwent training at Ubom Eastern Cape Drama Company, focusing on acting, directing, miming, and clowning under the guidance of Artistic Director Janet and Andrew Buckland. Thami then joined the company as a full-time performer and drama facilitator from 2006 to 2013. During this time, Thami also pursued freelance opportunities as a lead singer in two productions: “Via-Sophia town” and “Cabaret” which then toured Europe, and Abu Dhabi. In 2015, Thami relocated to Cape Town, joining the Cape Cultural Collective, contributing to various projects. In 2016, she joined the Langa Arts Association (LAA), creating programmes in drama, music, and dance for school children. Over the past two years, she has played a significant role in managing drama, music, and visual arts classes for kids, fostering their creativity and growth. This initiative was a collaboration between LAA members, who served as facilitators, and the Naledi Foundation, sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture
Nosicelo Mbili Nosicelo was born in Cala, Eastern Cape, but her formative years were spent growing up in Cape Town. With a deep passion for music and theatre, she began her artistic journey by engaging in drama plays and joining the school choir. It was in these early experiences that her love for the performing arts was kindled. Subsequent to working with Mfundo Hashe, Nosicelo collaborated with talents like Thando Doni and Khayalethu Mofu, further enriching her artistic repertoire. A pivotal moment in her career was when she had the privilege to work with the legendary Mama Thoko Ntshinga, an experience that deeply influenced and inspired. In the realm of music, Nosicelo has shared stages with icons like Mthunzi Namba from Joyous Celebration, Bro Stompie Mavi, Lusanda Beja, Nomandala Mfencane, and many more, showcasing her musical prowess and versatility.
She has graced the Artscape Theatre and the Baxter Theatre multiple times, leaving a lasting impression with her performances. Being recognized as the best Jazz lady in Cape Town, Nosicelo’s career continues to thrive as her artistic journey unfolds in the entertainment industry. Her dedication and passion for the arts remain unwavering, promising a future filled with more enchanting performances and creative endeavours
Thomas Rynhardt: 47-year-old resident of Moira Henderson shelter in District 6, Thomas goes by the stage name Tommy Guitarlah, and is currently deeply immersed in his busking endeavours around Cape Town to cover his accommodation expenses. Thomas’s musical journey traces back to his childhood in the church, where he first picked up the guitar. By the age of 20, he had embraced singing as well. Despite lacking formal training and band experience, Thomas has always had a profound connection to music.
His musical style primarily draws from gospel and jazz influences, with a particular emphasis on playing the acoustic steel string guitar. While he has a few videos showcasing his performances, original recordings are yet to be made. At this juncture, Thomas finds himself in the early stages of his busking venture, dedicating himself to expanding his repertoire and mastering new songs for his performances. He is resolute in his determination to grow and evolve in this musical pursuit, and he looks forward to providing a link to his social media, enabling others to follow and support him on this musical odyssey as one of the dedicated buskers.
Vukile Moya: Prepare to be entranced by the soul-stirring melodies of Vukile Moya, a remarkable Afro-soul artist hailing from the vibrant community of Langa in Cape Town. Vukile possesses a captivating voice and a storytelling prowess that enchants audiences, leaving them spellbound at a variety of events and specialized Afro-soul gatherings across the city. A music enthusiast from a young age, Vukile embarked on his musical odyssey at just 5-years old and recorded his first song in 2013.
In 2023, Vukile has poured his heart and soul into crafting a highly anticipated EP centered around the themes of “MEN” and “MENTAL HEALTH.” His music challenges societal norms, urging men to embrace vulnerability and freely express their emotions, dispelling fear of judgment or loss of masculinity. Inspired by his own life journey, the EP promises to resonate deeply with audiences, inviting them on a heartfelt exploration of the human psyche.
What truly sets Vukile apart is his staunch commitment to inclusivity and celebration of diversity. As an LGBTQ artist, he takes immense pride in creating a harmonious space where everyone, regardless of identity, can find solace and unity through his soul-stirring melodies. Through his music, he advocates for positive change and promotes empathy.
Vernon White: Musician, singer/songwriter hailing from Manenberg, Vernon was born in the heart of Cape Town. At 39 years old, he continues to reside in Manenberg with his wife and two children. Notably, Vernon had the unique experience of residing in Eastern Cape Bulhoek, just outside Queenstown, for a few years during his early education. It was there that he first started school and was introduced to the world of music and the church choir, singing in the Xhosa language. He found his groove with the acoustic guitar and also developed an affinity for playing the keyboard.
Vernon’s musical journey commenced at 10 under the guidance of his granduncle and father. He began with old Afrikaans and Xhosa melodies that were deeply rooted in the traditions of the older generation. Over time, he honed his skills through self-exploration and dedicated listening. Vernon’s talents have reached the airwaves having achieved this with songs recorded in his own home recording studio. Vernon’s musical versatility shines through, encompassing a wide range of genres from Rock to Afrikaans folk, African Pop, Boy bands ballads, Motown golden oldies, R&B, and a sprinkling of hip hop. His musical journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for creating diverse and soul-stirring music, bringing joy and entertainment to those who have the privilege of listening.