The National Arts Council has announced five South African musicians who will perform at the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo.
South African artists Dr Natalie Langan and Ayanda Ziya spoke excitedly about representing South Africa at the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HK PAX).
“I felt great surprise, pride, joy and responsibility,” singer Lungan said. The Citizen. This week, the National Arts Council (NAC) announced five South African musicians who will perform at the Expo.
In addition to Ziya and Lungan, multi-instrumentalist Thandeka Mphinyong, maskandi artist Mbudzeni Mkhize and Skye Dladla are the five chosen to represent the country.
“It's a humbling opportunity to perform my music and represent my country on an international stage like this. It motivates me to do my best, not just for myself, but for everyone I represent. They gave us,” Lungan said.
R&B singer Jiya was excited when she was first informed. “It's a really great opportunity and above all I'm honored to represent my country.”
NAC President Princess Serenle Dlamini will be a guest speaker at the HKPAX International Arts Leadership Roundtable on 18 October.
She will be joined by NAC Interim CEO Julie Difofa and executives from KwaZulu-Natal Theater Playhouse Company.
The delegation will interact with arts executives from Hong Kong and around the world on South African performing arts ideas and works, and build new collaborations of value to South Africa's arts sector.
NAC is an agency of the National Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture. It is South Africa's largest arts and culture funding agency and is responsible for servicing most arts sectors.
Also read: MEC Matome Chiloane visits Solly Moholo's family ahead of funeral
cultural exchange
The five musos will be sharing a unique musical journey “'' co-produced with Hong Kong musicians during Expo Week.journey of discovery” was held at Hong Kong City Hall on October 16th and 17th.
Jiya feels this element of the trip is very important.
“We get to know and learn about each other's cultures and backgrounds. Such initiatives create opportunities for networking. This also creates global relationships,” the singer said.
“Cultural exchange initiatives are very important because they promote understanding, tolerance and cooperation between different countries and communities,” Lungan said.
The jazz and gospel vocalist said such programs allow artists to experience and appreciate diverse traditions, perspectives and artistic expressions, breaking stereotypes and promoting mutual respect.
“As a composer, I am excited to collaborate with music that is so different from the South African jazz context. It has definitely broadened my musical worldview.”
Also read: How a filmmaker paid homage to the Afrikaap language in the Brassé Vany Carp document [WATCH]
Hong Kong fun
While the trip is centered around their art and work, it is also a welcome vacation and an opportunity to experience another culture.
“I'm very interested in other cultures and their customs, so traveling gives me that experience. It also makes me very open-minded. It's a great way to learn about myself too. ” said Jiya.
Lungan said he is not the type of traveler who likes to learn about museums and historical buildings.
“I mean, I like them, but please show me the way to the mall,” she joked.
“I love engaging with locals through casual conversations and finding out how ordinary people live. It gives me a deeper understanding of the places I visit.”
Read now: Here are the films that will represent SA in the 2025 Oscar race [VIDEO]
