C-Tone Productions Presents the Africa Unite Cultural International Festival (AUCIF) on September 30th at East London’s Police Park Stadium. The event will feature soccer legends and multi-award-winning artists dedicated to fostering African unity.
C-Tone Productions, based in East London, originally conceived the concept of “Africa Unite” during the 2015 xenophobic attacks that shook the nation. Recognizing the influential voices, dance, and soccer skills of celebrated figures seen on TV and heard on the radio, founder Luzuko Khohli aimed to utilize entertainment, sports, and the arts as a means to bring together Africans from all nations and backgrounds.
This initiative was born out of the desire for Africans to assemble without fear of conflict among each other. This endeavor addresses the recent surge in kidnappings and violence against foreign nationals in the Buffalo City Metro, including murders and ransom demands targeting foreign shop owners and businessmen.
In these challenging times, the call for harmony and integration becomes paramount while
celebrating our shared African identity. Luzuko Khohli emphasized, “We cannot ignore the challenges posed by undocumented and illegal immigrants on our public infrastructure, but we must also acknowledge that we are all one people.”
In response to the 2015 xenophobic attacks, C-Tone Productions united East London-based
musicians to record the song “Africa Unite,” featuring renowned artists such as Mobi-Dixon,Sliq Angel, Dumza Maswana, Manizz (Nigerian), and the late Malibongwe Gcwabe.
The song serves as a testament to unity, mirroring the essence of AUCIF, which leverages sports and the creative arts to promote nation-building and social cohesion.
Khohli invites all music enthusiasts to embrace their African heritage, closing out Heritage Month with song and dance at Police Park in East London on September 30th.
AUCIF Media Manager, Sinethemba Gayiza, shared, “This marks our first outdoor edition. Previous AUCIF events were indoors and enjoyed tremendous support. This support has driven the festival to expand beyond its comfort zone, relocating to the larger Police Park Cricket Stadium.”
The festival begins with an exhibition soccer match featuring football legends like Mzunani Mgwigwi, Patric Mayo, Wilfred Mugeyi, Dennis Vukubi, and more at 14:00. At 16:00, the music line-up features dance music talents such as 2Point1 (known for “Stimela”), Tee Tee, Lindo Mtangayi (known for “uSirayeli’akaqedwa”), Zain SA, London Roots Boiz, GQ, and DJ Jigga.
The contemporary music line-up boasts Metro FM and South African Music Awards-winning artists like Betusile Mcinga, Nathi Mankayi, Amanda Black, Zain SA, Zuko SA, and hip-hop icon Sjava. African guitarists and Nigerian musician Kunle Ayo will also contribute to the call for African unity. AUCIF is thrilled to announce the internationally acclaimed soul singer Lloyiso as a special addition to the line-up.
Tickets for the event are available via WebTickets, Pick n Pay, and Boxer, priced at R200 for general admission, R750 for VIP, and R100 for a cooler box. Local vendors will offer food and crafts at the venue. The Africa Unite Cultural International Festival is made possible by the National Arts Council, the Presidential Employment Stimulus Program, and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture.