The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) through its Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy has sponsored the Diamond and Dorings Music Festival which takes place from 17 to 20 April 2014 in Kimberly, Northern Cape.

The Diamonds and Dorings Music Festival was first held 2001. Now on its 13^th year running, Festival has become synonymous with Easter as it has grown into an item on Kimberley’s Easter Weekend itinerary. The festival not only attracts local crowds but has proven to be a crowd puller of music lovers from all corners of South Africa. Hosted by the Sol Plaatjie Municipality in Kimberley, Northern Cape, the festival attracts over 20 000 people and serves as a catalyst for economic development, tourism and the eradication of unemployment in the province.

Spokesperson for the Department of Arts and Culture, Mogomotsi Mogodiri said, “Over the years, the Diamonds and Dorings Music Festival has become one of the premier events within our country’s cultural agenda. This festival continues to grow in size and popularity under the support of the DAC through the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy that seeks to upscale the contribution of the arts to job creation and economic development”.

This year, this multi-disciplinary arts festival kicks off on Thursday the 17^th of April with a comedy show at the Convention Centre, a marathon for the fit on Friday the 18^th also starting at the Convention Centre, and Golf Day at the Kimberley Golf Club on Saturday the 19^th. The Music Festival at the Langleg Resort, and then wraps up on Sunday the 20^th of April.

The line-up for Day 1 of the Music Festival includes Black Motion, Vusi Mahlasela, The Soil, and Simphiwe Dana. Newcomers, Vusinova and Moneoa will serenade crowds with their R&B hits. Fans will also be treated to a long awaited, not to be missed reunion performance by Afro-pop music group, Bongo Maffin. The Festival also features home-grown talents including Mbuli and the band, Rumours of War, Dikamo, Pixely jazz band, and Neo and Friends. The main event also boasts a line-up of renowned artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Zahara, Zonke, Mafikizolo, Khuli Chana, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, Uhuru, House Music sensation Monique Bingham and many more.

The Diamonds and Dorings Music Festival is one of a number of national cultural events based in every province of the country supported by the DAC. These include the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Joy of Jazz, Marula and MACUFE Festival, to mention but a few. “We are very proud to support these festivals as they continue to make a bigger contribution to the economies of host cities and communities at large”, concluded Mogodiri.

The Festival takes place within the historic Freedom Month in which the nation celebrates 20 years of Freedom. South Africans are encouraged to take the opportunity to celebrate 20 years of freedom and democracy, and reflect on the progress we have made as country.

For enquiries please contact: Mr Mogomotsi Mogodiri on 071 687 4984