A concert for peace and human rights held in Bonteheuwel over the weekend, has been hailed as a resounding success.
Called RISE, the concert was a collaboration by the Cape Cultural Collective (CCC) and the Bonteheuwel Legacy Arts Collective (BLAC). It was held at the Bonteheuwel civic centre on Saturday April 28.
Besides stage performances by the artists, there were stalls for local entrepreneurs to sell their wares, and information tables about organisations working in the area.
The atmosphere was festive, with young and old singing or dancing along to their favourite tunes.
Rapper Cam O Flage, jazz artist Sam Hofmeester, the Rosa Choir, the dancers of Northern Krump Kingdom (NKK), rock band Pneuma, spoken-word artist Irma Titus, Khoi-blues guitarist Collin the Bushman and the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, who did their peace dance, were among the artists.
Soraya Salie, chairperson of the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, thanked those involved.
“The community of Bonteheuwel is serious about rising above all challenges. I can’t remember when last our central business district (CBD) area was so vibrant, so busy, with happy vibes, people smiling, forgetting about their pain for the duration of the free concert. It was wow. Gratitude and appreciation to all the organisations, our MC Jean Marcel Alexander and all our local artists, too many to mention, and hats off to our youth with such positive energy and spirit.
“Special thanks to our community, all stakeholders, volunteers, stall-holders and all our visitors for generating that positive vibe, irrespective of the negativity that also lingers. The positive energy erased all negative vibes, and that’s the spirit. We need to review and renew our intention on a daily basis, and should remain focused on our vision, mission and intentions,” she said.