Proud to announce the 13th edition of Masicule. The National Arts Festival (NAF) has revealed that this year’s event will feature the esteemed presence of the Bala family, Zwai and Pinky Bala, at the Guy Butler Theatre located at the 1820 Settler’s National Monument on Sunday and Monday.
Masicule is an annual choral event that has become a highlight in Makhanda’s cultural calendar, serving as one of the key events leading up to the NAF, which takes place annually in the middle of the year.
This event, Masicule, is frequently characterised as a celebration of the rich choral heritage of the Eastern Cape, where school-age choristers have the opportunity to perform alongside their idols on a grand stage.
In a recent press release, the CEO of NAF, Monica Newton, stated that they are dedicated to creating a platform that highlights and nurtures choral voices in South Africa, and Masicule plays a crucial role in this endeavour.
This event gives young singers the chance to perform on a major stage alongside artists they’ve admired for years and is a reminder of the deeply powerful emotional and symbolic experience of voices in harmony.
Newton stated that the Eastern Cape has given rise to some of the most remarkable choral music in South Africa, and Makhanda continues to be a bastion of that heritage.
“Masicule honours that history while creating space for the next generation to step into the light,” Newton concluded.
Bala Family Presence
This year’s Masicule showcases two remarkable talents on stage: Zwai Bala, a member of the legendary trio TKZee and the cherished The Bala Brothers, is a vocalist renowned for his wide vocal range and emotional depth, which have secured him a prominent position among South Africa’s most respected artists.
His musical catalogue spans multiple genres, from Kwaito to soul to gospel – and his commitment to the preservation and advancement of choral music has established him as a foremost champion of this art form.
The audience will be familiar with Pinky Bala, another member of the Bala family, from the reality television series The Bala Family. Pinky is a singer, songwriter, and producer acclaimed for her significant contributions to gospel and contemporary South African music.
Her ability to seamlessly navigate between traditional and modern styles renders her a perfect fit for an evening that celebrates both cultural heritage and innovation. Attendees can look forward to soaring harmonies, engaging call-and-response, and memorable moments that resonate long after the last note has been played.
Event Details: What: Masicule – 13th Edition
When: Sunday 19 April, 18:00 | Monday 20 April, 19:00
Where: Guy Butler Theatre, The Monument, Makhanda
Tickets: R65 (Full) | R45 (Scholars, Students, Pensioners)
Booking: Essential – Book on Webtickets (link: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1590601018&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20982109323&gbraid=0AAAAADr4IPGMJTDcQQJj8E-y0zBCDrWAE&gclid=CjwKCAjw1tLOBhAMEiwAiPkRHm7UzgCMjZWJ9SlE8QcCJOF6lNBCgFJ8Ky5CmJafsIzX4_2iBeq27RoCiDQQAvD_BwE)
