More than 30 music events means the annual Joburg Arts Alive International Festival is pulsing to a seriously hot beat in 2011!

Music’s central role in this year’s programming is announced with the Arts Alive Opening Ceremony on September 1st at The Fringe at The Joburg Arts Theatre.

A specially commissioned work by poet Don Mattera and musician Pops Mohamed will make its worldwide debut, underscoring Arts Alive’s role in stimulating creativity amongst the City of Joburg’s many high-profile residents.

This is followed, a day later (September 2nd), by Africa Unites, presented in association with Moshito and featuring a stunning line-up of world-class African artists including Nigerian singer-songwriter, Asa and Kenyan musician, Eric Wainana.

The next big music event is an undoubted Joburg Arts Alive International Festival highlight – Jazz on the Lake (Sun September 4th at Zoo Lake). This annual free concert is a major gift to residents of Joburg by the City of Joburg - and this year the line-up features singer Xoliswa Dlamini, award-winning vocalist Melanie Scholtz, pop outfit, Watershed, the riveting Indian act, Rajasthan Rocks, Afro-dub pioneers, 340ml, jazz musician Victor Ntoni and top international Nigerian singer-songwriter, Asa.

Another must-see free concert is the Eldo’s Jazz Festival, taking place on Sunday September 25th at Kremetert Park and featuring top Jamaican reggae artists, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel, along with several SA heavyweights including Allou April, Dr Victor, Prince Lengoasa, and Zarcia Zacheus, Throughout the festival, there are also an abundance of opportunities to see a range of world-class musicians from other countries – a major benefit of Arts Alive’s strong partnerships with foreign governments in 2011.

Many of these take place at Joburg Theatre including (in partnership with the Indian Shared History Festival) Rajasthan Rocks, featuring the mystic sounds and captivating dance from this region of India that plays at The Mandela on September 6th.

Brazil’s 2010 Top Female Singer, Teresa Cristina, brings her sultry Brazilian samba sounds to The Mandela on September 7th – Brazilian National Day. This show additionally features the Afro Brazilian Group Napalma (supported by African Synergy). Presented in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, the Gansu Ethnic Song & Dance Troupe is on at The Mandela from September 14th to 17th. This riveting show showcases performers from China’s Tibet, Hui, Mongol, Dongxiang, Yugu and Manchu ethnic groups. Cuban pianist and composer Luis Lugo is one of the leading interpreters of both classical and Cuban music and he’ll be playing at The Mandela on September 13th. September 14th sees Portuguese quartet Deolinda showcasing their new generation Fado – described by critics as funny, ironic, beautifully poetic and decidedly hip.

Alongside these music events there are several ongoing music nights during Arts Alive 2011 that make experiencing quality, memorable sounds very easy for Joburgers. These include Monday Blues (September 5, 12 and 19 at Co.fi at The Zone, Rosebank), now celebrating its 20th anniversary and showcasing some of the city’s top acts including Sliq Angel, LoveGlori, Ntsiki Mazwai, Joy of Jozi, The Fridge, and NAF Ovation winners, The Soil.

Reggae takes the spotlight at the Bassline on September 8, 15 and 22 with headline acts, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel from Montego Bay, Jamaica at the FINAL reggae night on 22 September. African Storm Sound System’s legendary reggae night hosted by Admiral and Jahseed sees reggae action till the early hours of the morning on all three nights.

There’s more to relish on September 9th with African Connections - Africa Night at Braamfontein’s The Alex featuring Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe) performing with Bombino (Niger). Other African Connections –Africa Night events showcase the music of the likes of Ringo Mandlingozi (SA) and Alexio Kawara (Zimbabwe) – both playing on September 23rd.

Fans of conscious hip-hop should not miss Thuba Lethu at The Alex on September 10th, featuring Sudan’s Emmanuel Jal performing with Tumi and the Volume (SA). There’s plenty for urban music fans to enjoy when ‘Street Beat’ takes over Walter Sisulu Square on September 24th. Included in the line-up are MCs Earl and Agemi, Black Cream, Yung J, Peoples Property, Charmer Boys, Besupreme dancers, Armageddon, and DJ’s Kent and Park Boys.

This year there are also plenty of community-based music events in the programme, including Arts Alive Authentic Sunday at Chaf-Pozi in Orlando with an artist line-up that includes DJ’s Bling, Zai Maya, Que, Rogers, Bayo and Buddist DJ as well as AKA, Khuli Chana and Pro.

Another exciting project is the Streetpop Festival taking place on September 17th from 2:00pm till late at G-spot, Mofolo Village, Soweto. It features Tidal Waves and T.H.O.T.S., Dj Dolla, and Maleh. Also in Soweto is Duelling Drums, on at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani at 3:00pm. This free drumming duel is between the military western drummers from Spirit of America and the Womba Drummers from SA which heralds the first hard-hat performance at the new, worldclass Soweto Theatre, which has been built by the City of Joburg.

For the full line-up of music events at Arts Alive 2011 go to:
WEBSITE: www.artsalive.co.za
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joburg-Arts-Alive-International-Festival/132883022648?ref=ts
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/Arts_Alive
YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/user/JhbArtsAlive
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/arts_alive/

Media accreditation: info@jtcomms.co.za

For media registration, interview requests access to EPK’s, broadcast footage and any other media queries please contact Ayob Vania, Hlumi Mbanga and Vanessa Perumal on (011)7887631 or info@jtcomms.co.za

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Arts Alive 2011