The One City, Many Cultures (1CMC) Project, incorporating the Cape Town Festival (CTF), presents Embracing Africa, Embracing Cape Town.

Some of the best in African, South African and Cape Town talent will converge on one stage to wow audiences at this not-to-be-missed paid-for event.

Led by the Embracing Africa campaign of the OCMC Project, the concert echoes the theme of reconciliation as celebrated on the Day of Reconciliation observed on 16 December annually. This showcase, comprising some of Africa and Cape Town’s most celebrated performers, promises an entertaining and uplifting experience, reconciling Africa’s rhythms, sounds and beats with the heart of the Mother City.
With an offering that spans a wide range of musical genres, including afro-pop, world music, jazz, RnB, urban-pop, hip hop and soul, the concert offers a scintillating line-up of world class performances.

Kicking off the concert in true African style, performers from the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA), who have their roots in Africa, will set the tone with a montage of traditional instrumental, dance and vocal performances. PANSA is a national network of individuals, NGO's, service providers and mainstream institutions that are engaged in the practice or support of the performing arts involving all forms of dance, music, opera, musical theatre and theatre.

Multi-award winning Moreira Chonguicais, a prolific and celebrated Cape Town based saxophonist, originally from Mozambique, is sure to mesmerise the audience to the tune of contemporary jazz and world music.

He has been called “South Africa’s most intimate and talented vocal discovery in years”; the poignant singer/songwriter and SAMA nominee Chad Saaiman will render a tastefully selected fusion of RnB, soul and pop items.

The critically acclaimed Johannesburg-based urban-pop group Gang of Instrumentals is set to add a funky twist with their innovative musical style - a mix of hip hop, street rap, pop, soul, R&B, ragga, reggae and rock - interspersed with elements of kwaito and house.

The programme would not truly embrace the Cape Town music scene without the unrivalled sounds of the institution that is The Rockets. Their colourful, uncompromising and energetic act will ignite the stage with an eclectic mix of soulful ballads, mid-tempo melodies and exhilarating dance tunes.

The headline act will feature an African Diva of note, the sensational jazz and afro-pop SAMA Award winner Judith Sephuma who will, as always, captivate the audience with an inspiring and entertaining show of superlative quality.

The concert will see the newly revamped Cape Town Station Forecourt transform into a vibrant entertainment hub boasting a food court with a variety of traditional African and Cape Town dishes on offer; a beer garden as well as refreshment and merchandise stalls dotted around the venue. Gates open at 2.30pm and concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early to savour the full experience.

But the party does not end there. Concert tickets allow access to the after-party at 121 Castle; a stunning two-storey venue situated walking distance from the concert. DJ’s Leo Large; Thibo Tazz; Ian Incredible (JHB-based) and Trix will be working their magic on the decks. The space offers vibrant lounges, complete with 9 meter cocktail bar, plush couches and big screen TVs for relaxation. Please note that access to the after-party is limited to persons 18 years and older.

Venue: Cape Town Station Forecourt.
Time: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Price: R110 per adult; children aged 12 to 18 years pay R50, while children under 12 enter free.
Performances: 18 Dec 2010
Genre: Music