To place renewed emphasis on the Africa in Afrika(ans), the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM) presents a free reggae concert on Africa Day on Saturday, May 25.
The popular Western Cape Conquerors Reggae Band will entertain guests in front of the bistro at the foot of the monument with their roots reggae music that promotes a positive message.
According to the ATM, reggae is closely linked to Rastafari, an Afrocentric religion that developed in Jamaica in the 1930s, with the aim of promoting Pan-Africanism. Although the music was created in the Caribbean islands, it was driven by the descendants of slaves kidnapped from Africa.
It has strong African influences and has been developed as a genre all over Africa in recent decades, with among others some of Hemelbesem’s music being described as Afrikaans reggae.
Michael Jonas, director of the ATM, says with this celebration the monument wants to make people aware of Afrikaans as an African language, including the language’s African roots (along with its European and Eastern heritage) as well as the diversity of the Afrikaans-speaking community. “We consider the monument not only as a beacon of hope for the development of Afrikaans, but for all African languages.”
The concert takes place between 1pm and 2pm, but entry to the monument is free for the whole day. For the children there are also playgrounds and outdoor games.
Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics and drinks (no glass) or to order picnic baskets in advance at the Suikerkan at 082 216 2510 or at info@diesuikerkan.co.za
For more information, contact Stefanie Rasztabiga on 021 872 3441/863 0543 or send an email to kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za
