Muizenberg saw its first community festival kick off with high flying flags over an amazing stretched Taureg Tent which brought a diverse community together under one beautiful undulating roof. It was filled with music and children, and people rich and poor, old and young and every colour of the "rainbow nation". It felt safe in there. It felt like it was okay to leave kids to run around freely. We caught a glimpse of a moment of true "Ubuntu" community culture- where the ideal notion of "it takes a village to raise a child' seemed a simple possibility.The festival under the banner of the Cape Town Festival was held near the beach beside the putt-putt course in what turned out to be a perfect location. The idea was to give meaning to the concept of 'One City, Many Cultures', by promoting cultural diversity, tolerance through the arts, developing environmental awareness and creating a safe and secure family entertainment event.
Out of the musty Muizenberg woodwork came artists and musicians of great acclaim all of whom live locally. From legends of the 80's like Robin Auld, Heather Mac, and Jazz maestro Mervyn Africa to impressive new outfits from been- around- the- block muso's like Ernestine Deane (ex-Moodpha5e5ive Ernie)- whose recently released solo album "Dub for Mama" has had international success and Beyond Jupiter (ex-Honeymoon Suites - guitarist , Jamie) who is breaking out with his new band after releasing his solo album " A brighter life". A feast of local talent graced the stage from a wide range of musical genre's. There was West African Gospel with the Muizenberg Community Church Choir, some seriously off-the-wall chaotic Jazz, from "The English Cousins", Sophisticated French style blues with soulful lyrics from "Red Earth and Rust", Stylish Cape Jazz from Mervyn Africa, Hot skanking Reggae from Azania and Rap from Mac feeling- an Angolan afro-pop act rapping in Portugese.
Poets and prophetesses were given space to inspire with word lyric and rythm. Poets from a wide cross-section of society spoke passionately and eloquently about truths that need to be told. Khadija Heeger who hails from Hanover Park, passionately pointed out the importance of taking responsibilty for the situation we are in and 'becoming the change' instead of passing the buck. Human rights performance poet from Vrygrond, Sebastian spoke of caring for the earth and the environment. Canadian-Swazi- South African Croc-e-moses gently reminded us that the myth of materialism is about to explode in the form of a rebearthquake- a message of hope. (See poem bellow.) However the serious mood was swiftly lightened up by the British Banter of stand-up comic Mark Samson, for whom there are no sacred cows.. and who mastered the ceromonies memorably.
A touching community moment came after the belly dancing women had completed their mesmerizing motion leaving behind an awestruck moment of wonder. A muslim woman in full cloth covered regalia stepped forth, bright eyes peeping from her veil. She bravely pointed out to M.C. Mark Sampson (who held tight to his mike) that in-spite of the fact that she had Arabic blood she could not jiggle her hips with such liquid power as those (white) women had just displayed. After rudely challenging her to give it a try, Samson smilingly offered the explanation that all people on earth are genetically proven to be related and all are originally African. Therefore it is scientifically proven that we are one (inspite of our many cultures etc.) Muizenberg is a particularly diverse community where a high crime rate and a very wide chasm between rich and poor makes it hard to get everyone together under one roof, but it happened on Saturday at this free event and magic was made.
This festival is set to be repeated "Same Time next year" (to quote a catchy song by Jamie Jupiter) and may be a longer two day event next time. In the mean time there are more smiles in the streets of Muizenberg, a warm breeze blows and a golden glow has not left the air... or so it seems. The community has been blessed by the event. This has clearly been a good investment by local government. It is a simple and creative way to heal and build communities, thus dissolving the chaos of crime and creating an atmosphere of tolerance and true community. Don't "fight crime", just "spread the love..and the crime will automatically subside.
In a true community people look out for each other and a natural morality returns where family values and a sense of belonging create a structure of safety. We caught a glimpse.
- Story by Helena Doe Kingwill
Posts
