The City of Cape Town has announced the artists headlining this year’s festive lights switch-on extravaganza set for Sunday, 26 November 2023.
The Grand Parade is all set and ready for the country’s largest free open-air event, with a performance line-up designed to thrill and entertain as part of the City’s annual free-to-attend Festive Lights Switch-on event.
Award-winning artist, rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and part-time boxer, Cassper Nyovest, is heading to the Festive Lights stage.
At this year’s festival, you can also expect a performance of the Amapiano frontrunner, Focalistic, who will bring his trademark clever lyricism, wittiness and energetic cadence to the party.
Cape Town’s unique flavour is showcased through the hot line-up of home-based stars, which includes the melodic sounds of the Ikamva Marimba Band.
Ikamva means future, which exemplifies the theme of this year’s festival.
Bringing it together for that Cape Town party vibe is none other than the beloved Alistair Izobell. Alistair started his professional career in the theatre as part of the Kramer-Petersen musical, District Six, in 1987.
The “honeyed” tones of local songbird, Whitney April will resonate with her signature charm and strong messages of hope along with Internet sensation, 12-year-old Yonwaba Qetswana.
Woodstock born singer, actor, dancer, rapper and social media influencer, Ricky Vani Frontline, will show off his versatility and talent with a set to inspire.
The winner of the South African Music Awards, 2021, Matthew Mole, will take to the stage, along with rock ‘n roll Afrikaans band, RAAF, who released their first album in June this year.
Hanover Park’s cultural singing troupe the Tjommies will bring their fresh youthful energy, while the ever popular band with their timeless reggae sound, The Rivertones, have that perfect Sunday groove.
Guiding the events of the afternoon and into the evening, are actress Jill Levenberg and actor Maurice Paige, along with the ever energetic Carl Wastie.
Keeping the music going and the discs spinning – DJ Eazy with special guest, nine-year-old DJ Sophia.
This year’s theme – City with a Future of Hope – also includes an exciting dance competition for Capetonians to show off their moves that express the optimism and endless possibilities reflected around them in the City of great events.
The competition can be entered on CTFestive Lights social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and will close on 15 November 2023.
The Dance-off finals will happen on Sunday, 19 November 2023 from 13:30 at the V&A Waterfront where the winner will walk away with a R10 000 prize, while runner ups will win R3000 and R2000 respectively.
These dance stars will also perform on the Festive Lights stage.
‘The stage is set for a stellar line-up of artists who will add to the excitement and magic of the event. This year’s switch-on is going to be one for the books and I look forward to seeing locals and visitors come and celebrate the start of the festive season with us,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The Festive Lights Switch-on is free of charge and everyone is welcome.
