Music lovers who used to trek to Bloemfontein for Macufe Festival at this time of the year need not despair since Macufe is a thing of the past. There is a new festival in town operated by businessman Freddie Kenney,called Lemo Fest. Notably, the event organiser is also associated with the iconic Lemo Mall in the Heidedal area. Kenney has kept the event at international level as it will be experienced today with main event, called Global Stage. It will feature Grammy winning musician, Zakes Bantwini and Afro-soul singer and award-winning diva, Thandiswa Mazwai.
ZiMoja has learnt that this year there was supposed to be a soccer match on Sunday but the organisers of the previous Macufe allegedly sent lawyers to stop the Lemo organisers from going ahead with the soccer part of the event because it is their concept. An insider says says Kenney decided not to fight them back to mantain peace. "Mr Kenny is a peaceful person, he decided not to challenge them instead change the program to just music," adds a source. It is not clear why Macufe was canned but Free State Premier ,Mxolisi Dukwana, said that he did not see the purpose of spending government money on the event that no longer fulfilled its mandate, which is to identify talent within communities and groom that talent to make a contribution to the arts and culture of the country.
On what to expect, Kenney said, "Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures represented on the Global Stage and gain a deeper understanding of the diaspora's influence on global artistry. This is an invitation to witness the brilliance that emerges when talent knows no borders. The Lemo Fest: Re Ya Kasi Festival, which has been ongoing for the past week, has hosted an All White Gospel Experience last Sunday, Piano Festival last Saturday, and D-Tshego Comedy Show on Wednesday." Before today's main event, Lemo Fest hosted a Woman To Woman an all-female gig at Lemo Green Park yesterday. Revellers can look forward to an impressive line-up which includes fan favourites Makhadzi, Zonke, Amanda Black, Kelly Khumalo and Miss Noxy. DJ Zinhle and Lamiez are set to take the decks.
