‘Afrika Nithini Na?’, The Black Power Station

The Black Power Station, founded by Xolile Madinda known as Tar X, a distinctive establishment that serves as a haven for independent thinking and welcomes individuals from all walks of life, provides an alternative space in Makhanda for creative expression through art, captivating discussions, and mesmerizing performances.

Xolile Madinda at The Black Power Station. Photo: Ayabonga Kosi

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Arts Festival (NAF), which stands as South Africa’s longest-running and most diverse arts festival, The Black Power Station, having played a significant role in the NAF throughout the years, will particularly commemorate this year’s event.

The year 2024 signifies three decades since South Africa achieved its political liberation from the oppressive Apartheid regime, ushering in a new era of democracy. To celebrate this momentous occasion, The Black Power Station (TBPS) presents a comprehensive festival program titled “Afrika nithini na?”. This year’s theme draws inspiration from the title of one of the final songs recorded by the late and esteemed Busi Mhlongo, namely “Afrika Nithini Na”. Through this program, The Black Power Station aims to delve into and foster a sense of camaraderie surrounding Mam’ Mhlongo’s thought-provoking question, which delves into the growth and development of our collective democratic experience within this nation. The thirty-year milestone serves as a reminder for us to engage in profound introspection as individuals, as a united nation, and as a community.

The Black Power Station stands as the top venue in the Eastern Cape for fostering creative social discourse via live music shows, workshops, classes, visual art, healing sessions, and more. This year’s schedule will honor Mam’ Mhlongo’s significant musical impact on African and international awareness. “We plan to bring in soulful and mindful artists to showcase their talents within the uniquely artistic environment we aim to cultivate for our NAF audience”, The Black Power Station.

Full Programme

20 June 2024 18:00- Open Mic Live Poetry Evening (Free).

21 June 2024 19:00- Friends With Psychedelcs (R60)

22 June 2024 13:00-15:00 – Open Discussion The Business Beyond Festival Discussion (Free) 18:00- Live Performance: The Return of the Cypher. Devine Imibono Host: Fayindlala (R100)

23 June 202419:00- Super and Sounds Live Performance: Syleez (R80)

24 June 2024 18:00- Live Performance: Achiba Don (R50)

25 June 2024 13:00-15:00, Intyatyambo Elityeni Women’s Dialogue (Free) 19:00- Live Performance: Zamani (R80)

26 June 2024 13:00-17:00, Amandla Asezinweleni Health Hair Talk by Afrikare. 18:00, Live Performance: Djembe (R52)

27 June 2024 19:00, Live Performance: Mandilakhe Ikhaya (R80)

28 June 2024 18:00, Live Performance: Zanomhlola (R60) BREAK 20:00, Live Performance: Wamkelwa (R100)

29 June 202419:00, Live Performance: Ndlulamthi BREAK 21:00, Live Performance: THE MUFFINZ (R250)

30 June 202412:00- 23:00, The Collaborative Day R150 (Full Day Access)