Max SteventonA celebration of South African music, culture and community will take place in London’s Trafalgar Square on 18 July to mark Nelson Mandela Day and the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution.
Organised by the South African High Commission, the event is free to attend and will have a capacity of up to 8,000 people. Organisers said the aim is to bring together the South African diaspora, African communities across the UK, Londoners and international visitors for a day of live music, food, storytelling and cultural activities.
The live music programme, presented by Scatterlings, will feature South African artists Jesse Clegg, Sjava, Msaki, Sun-El Musician, Thakzin and Sipho Mchunu. The event will also involve South African food traders, community organisations, storytelling and cultural activations throughout the day.
The location holds particular significance for South Africa, having been associated with anti-apartheid demonstrations and public expressions of solidarity during the struggle against apartheid. It is also linked to Nelson Mandela’s first public appearances in London following his release from prison.
Alongside the South African High Commission, the event is supported by Brand South Africa, South African Tourism, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Vergelegen Wines.
South Africa minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie said, “This is a love letter to South Africa and to every South African who has ever had to carry their identity far from home. I pushed for this event because I believe in what our artists can do for our country’s story. On 18 July, at Trafalgar Square, we are not just celebrating Mandela’s legacy – we are living it.”