A new music festival, Unity On The Square, will aim to promote a sense of unity, hope, and love this holiday season, when it takes centre stage on Greenmarket Square tomorrow, Thursday December 16, which also marks Reconciliation Day.
The event will feature a line-up of popular local and emerging artists performing after a two-year hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic, including Jimmy Nevis, Chad Saaiman, Craig Lucas, Jarrad Ricketts, Alistair Izobell, Nur Abrahams, Robin Pieters, Salome, Karin Kortje, RJ & Lkay, Don Vino, Paxton Fielies, Garth Taylor, Loukmaan Adams, Acoustic Element, Carl Webber, Mel Jones, Sasha-Lee Davids, Kurt Langeveldt and The Pedestrians.
Unity On The Square is supported by the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government.
The event will also see legendary musician and producer David Kramer perform alongside these artists on the day, while langarm bands, Malay choirs and a marimba band are set to keep audiences entertained.
Unity On The Square is the brainchild of renowned musician and entertainer, Loukmaan Adams, who said the musical festival will offer “a welcoming and safe environment for families”.
Mr Adams said this is the first event under his new company, Loukmaan Adams Productions Ltd, which was formed earlier this year – due to the minimal events and gigs being made available to musicians.
“My colleagues and I in the entertainment industry suffered financially over the past two years and we were not able to perform on stage like we always have done over the years. I saw an opportunity to create productions and showcases that will literally help us bring joy to our hearts but also to those of fellow music enthusiasts too.
“As Covid 19 has divided us all, all artists are looking forward to being united on stage after two years of enduring the life-changing pandemic. We are all excited to sing our hearts out and provide spectacular entertainment to all music lovers in The Mother City”
Mr Adams said December 16, Reconciliation Day, holds a special place in the festivities of the residents of Bo-Kaap and it’s in line with the switching on of the festive lights in the city.
“I realised that those two annual celebrations were not planned to take place this year, so I wanted to showcase a celebration where Capetonians could celebrate artists, while maintaining good health and their safety too.
“I also know that many artists suffered during the pandemic and Unity On The Square affords a number of artists to be on one stage together and allow the healing touch of music, to unite us during these crazy, and trying times we find ourselves in – while also spreading some festive season cheer.”
Unity On The Square will also host a number of markets and vendors throughout the day including halaal food trucks, local traders and a coffee bar. There will be mobile data give-aways as well as event and artist merchandise for sale.
Mr Adams said the festival will implement strict Covid-19 protocols, to ensure music enthusiasts are enjoying the festivities while also being safe.
“The safety of patrons, crew and participants remains a priority for all events hosted in Cape Town. Event organisers screen attendees, will enforce the wearing of masks, ensure physical distancing at venues and insist on attendees to sanitise their hands at all times during these events.”
The festival is the first of many planned events and productions he hopes to bring to life.
“My aim is to achieve many goals within a production space, Unity On The Square being one of them, and to eventually have artists from an international calibre joining forces with Cape Town artists and sharing one united stage every December 16. ”
The event will take place on Greenmarket Square in the city centre from 1pm to 9pm.
Ticket prices range from R75 to R350 and are available via Quicket.
Those interested in having a store at the Unity on The Square can email vendors@laproductions.co.za for more information and prices.