Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience returns for its 9th Edition

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe & Kopano Dibakwane

The long-awaited Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience(MPUCE) is back with a bang for its 9th annual edition, promising an exciting lineup of events that celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the Mpumalanga  province.

The festival is expected to kick off with a bang  this week from 28 November until 7 December, featuring a wide range of activities that showcase music, comedy, sport, tradition, as well as social cohesion.

According to the Department of Sport, Culture and Recreation spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi, MPUCE will expose visitors to other attractions that define Mpumalanga as the best tourist destination.

“ The Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience is aimed at bringing together the diverse people of the province to celebrate in song, dance, and attract visitors to revel in the beauty of the province,” said Nkosi.

The first day of the festival will start with the Comedy Xperience, to be held at the Arena in Mbombela, featuring a star-studded line of comedians including;

• Celeste Ntuli

• Mpho Popps

• Oscar Omuhle

• Matewu Bhoza

• Promad

• Bongani Piano

• Innomash

• Miss A, and many more.

The Mbombela CBD is expected to experience a slight disruption of traffic during a fun-filled Carnival Xperience to promotes social cohesion and celebrate cultural diversity.
The Carnival Xperience will kick start at 8:00 until 9:30 with a colourful parade in Sitrus Crescent(opposite SARS), followed by a free music concert at Promenade Centre at 10:00, featuring artists such as;

• Phumla Music

• Gatsheni

• Bathabile Skhosana

• Shivsai Dance, and many more.

The Cultural KASI Xperience will take place at Tomtiger Villa, in Mhluzi(Middleburg), featuring artists such as;

• Master KG

• Sun El Musician

• Deep Tsheko

• Murumba Pitch, and many more.

Entrance is R50 at the venue.

The Choral Xperience will take place at Siphumelele Teachers Centre in Elukwatini.

Mbombela Stadium will host the 013 Summer Blaze featuring artists including;

• Big Zulu

• DJ Maphorisa

• Mawhoo

• Aymos, and many more.

Jazz lovers will be spoilt for choice as various legends will entertain the crowd during the Soul Session Xperience scheduled to take place from 12:00, at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens, featuring the best Jazz line up including;

• Ringo

• Musa

• Judith Sephuma

• Wilson B Nkosi

• Paul Mtirara

• Sweetpapa

• Zano, and many more.

Tickets are available from R150 at Ticketpro.

The Traditional Xperience will also take place on 7 December from 09:00 at Mandlamakhulu Traditional Council in Elukwatini, with entertainment from Nothembi Mkhwebane, Raymond Nyathi, Make Shelangube, and many more. The entrance is absolutely free.

The festival will end with the 11th edition of the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards to be held at Communio Church in Mbombela. Tickets for the Gospel Awards event are available from R350 at Compiticket.