Standard Bank steps to the rhythm of isiXhosa Music Festival as headline sponsor

Standard Bank, with its forty-year legacy as a leading supporter of the arts in Africa, will be the headline sponsor of the 2nd isiXhosa Music Festival. The cultural commemoration will take place at St George’s Park Cricket Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday 29 April, just two days after Freedom Day.

The festival is a unique celebration of the rhythmic sounds, vibrant expressions and hearty cuisines of the amaXhosa. Building on the success of the Inaugural sold-out event, this second offering continues its goal to build social cohesion and cultural tolerance in South Africa.

What to expect

The festival will feature renowned national and local talents like Ringo Madlingozi, who has not been to Gqeberha in almost 10 years and promises to delivery an exceptional performance for his fans, Nathi Mankayi, who has just released a new album featuring songs like Silwa ne Mimoya and others, Amanda Black, Max-Hoba, 047, Qhama Afrika Dance Group, Nosisi Mavela, Ntsika (formerly of “The Soil”), Joliza, who was a great feature at the National Arts Festival last year and Zuko_SA – to name a treasured few. It brings together artists and fans from different races and backgrounds for a joint appreciation of beautiful culture, also encouraging festival goers to show up in their best traditional regalia.

As part of the festival, a workshop will be held on Friday, 21 April 2023. The workshop aims to inspire and educate creatives in the Eastern Cape about industry and market-related trends to help them succeed. Award-winning singer Ringo Madlingozi will be there to share his knowledge of music and the industry with aspiring young musicians. Financial education is also an integral part of artist development and growth, which is why Standard Bank will host a financial education session as part of the workshop.

“At Standard Bank, we believe that arts and culture play a significant role in characterising society. And with South Africa’s rich and unique history and diverse cultures, it is especially important that we spotlight initiatives and programmes in this field. This celebration comes at an opportune moment. Freedom Day is a time to reflect on the painful struggles we have overcome in the past to cherish the cultural manifestations of today. Our sponsorship allows us to continue to uplift our communities and aligns with the festival’s goal to build social cohesion,” says Mr. Unathi Maqalekane, Standards Bank’s Provincial Head Consumer Client Coverage.

Mazizi Msutu, isiXhosa Music Festival organiser representative adds: “We are delighted to have Standard Bank joining us as one of our major sponsors. Having the bank supporting the festival means we’ll be able to bring this important cultural event to the Nelson Mandela Bayand Eastern Cape province more frequently.”

Festival benefits for Standard Bank customers

Standard Bank customers qualify for a 10% discount when using a valid Standard Bank debit or credit card to pay for General Tickets. The offer is limited to six tickets per person and is subject to availability. Standard Bank encourages customers to take up this offer ASAP as tickets are limited. Furthermore, Standard Bank customers who purchase their General Tickets using their valid debit or credit cards will be entered into an automatic draw, wherein 5 customers will stand a chance of winning tickets to be hosted in the Standard Bank VIP Suite at the festival. The bank’s customers will also enjoy a dedicated express lane at the festival entrance gate. Blue Lane Access at St George’s Park Cricket Stadium will be open from 12h00 noon until 22h00 to Standard Bank customers only.

Standard Bank is committed to using its reach, expertise, insights and people to drive and support sustainable and inclusive growth across the creative, township, tourism and other industries where young people play a significant role. Click here to buy tickets to the isiXhosa Music Festival before they sell out.

For more information, contact:

Patience Toni
Standard Bank EC, Head of Marketing
041 391 2443
Patience.toni@standardbank.co.za

Mazizi Msutu
Event Organiser
Mazizi.msutu@amandlams.co.za

Rebecca Tlabago
Public Relations Agent, 081 794 3746