To celebrate the end of Heritage Month, the KZN South Coast will host the third annual Ugu Maskandi Music Festival at Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe on September 30.

“It’s an honour to welcome the talented artists and Maskandi [Zulu folk] music lovers to the KZN South Coast again for this much-anticipated festival. This is a great celebration of our rich heritage, a welcome boost in visitors during Tourism Month, and an excellent opportunity to showcase the KZN South Coast as a premier event-hosting destination,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE.

Siyabonga Mkhungo, Director of Ugu Broadcasting Services and the event organiser, said the festival would showcase local talent: “We started this festival with a clear intention to embrace our culture and heritage as Nguni people through art and crafts. This year, the event will cater for our local artists from the KZN South Coast who will make up 80% of the festival’s line-up.”

This year’s line-up welcomes Bahubhe, Mphuphe, Igcokama Elisha, Skweletu, Mageza, Ezechalaha, Amavukelambuso, Mjolisi, Ntencane, Khuzani, Lagxabh and many more.

In addition, the KZN South Coast will host the Ugu International Film Festival from September 14-16 and The South Coast Marathon on September 24 at Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre.