Countdown to the 16th Cape Town Carnival: A colouful celebration of community stories
The countdown to the 16th edition of the iconic Cape Town Carnival has begun!
On Saturday, March 21, the Green Point Fan Walk will be adorned with colourful costumes, sequences, music, and dance groups from Cape Town's communities, showcasing the talent of about 1 500 performers.
Themed Follow Your HeArt, the carnival this year will feature twelve champions from Cape Town's artistic community, who followed their hearts to live their passion. The singers, dancers, and artists were invited to share their stories and let it be an inspiration for the communities, said Cape Town Carnival CEO Jay Douwes at the launch event last night, Thursday, January 15.
The champions have worked with performers on sub-themes within the carnival - called pods - through which they will tell their stories, aiming to inspire, said Ms Douwes.
Performers gave audiences at the launch event a sneak peek of what to expect at this year's Cape Town Carnival.
Image: Armand Hough
The champions include singer Anslin Gysman, who grew up in Philippi; DJ Ready D from Mitchell's Plain, Suidooster star Natasha van der Merwe, graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter also from Mitchell's Plain, hip-hop artist from Khayelitsha Bravo le Roux, designer Stephen van Eeden based in Woodstock, make-up influencer Jemma Fourie, performance legend Terry Fortune hailing from Woodstock, activist Nyaniso Tutu-Burris, make-up artist Qhayiya Tyali, musician Dylan Majavie, who was born in Lavender Hill, and singer Zolani Mahola
Ms Mahola said being a champion means a lot to her. " I arrived here from the Eastern Cape 26 years ago, dreaming of performing to thousands. Those dreams have come true, and in a large part, it’s thanks to this city that has given me so much. It feels meaningful to be a Cape Town Carnival Champion in the city where I’ve crafted and grown my art,” she said.
Ms Fourie said makeup is an important part of performing, especially how it makes people feel. She said there was something about when all the elements of your costume, including your makeup comes together, and when you look at yourself, it's like "a becoming," and that's when people get into it and fully perform.
DJ Ready D, a pioneer of hip-hop in South Africa, let his art speak for him as he demonstrated his skills on the turntables, adding that the aim is to showcase what Cape Town is all about.
Prof Rachel Jafta, chair of the Cape Town Carnival Trust, emphasised how the Cape Town Carnival offers a joyful antidote to a world that is onderstebo, or upside down.
“There’s so much uncertainty globally, but it’s in these uncertain times when the spirit of the Carnival shines its brightest. Our performers put their hearts, soul and bodies into bringing us this amazing spectacle."
Guest speaker Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the role of the event is in creating a shared space for communities that might never interact otherwise.
“We have so many people in our city and society who live in different bubbles. Events like this provide the opportunity for people to come out of their bubbles and meet on the streets of Cape Town and be exposed to other stories,” he said.
“That’s why I love the Cape Town Carnival – you’re seeing an incredible show that’s taken months to create, but you’re also seeing the different stories of the city walk right past you.”
Premier Alan Winde said that while it was a hard start to the year, walking into the launch and seeing the sequins and feathers lifted the mood. “This event changes people’s lives."
The Cape Town Carnival takes place on Saturday, March 2,1 on the Green Point Fan Walk. The event is free, but there are VIP and seated tickets on sale. Visit capetowncarnival.com