AFTER spending years on the margins of the entertainment industry, people living with disabilities took centre stage on Youth Day as they showcased their talents at the This Ability Arts Festival held at the Bat Centre in Durban.
The event was organised by disabled entrepreneur Sibonelo Mlida through his company, Cheerful Times, and brought together both disabled and non-disabled artists and audiences in a celebration of music, inclusion and talent.
Mlida, who is from Hibberdene on the KZN South Coast, said the festival was created to give disabled artists a platform that they have often been denied.
“For a long time, disabled artists have struggled to get opportunities to showcase their talents. Even when we are given a chance, we are not always treated equally or afforded the same stage time as other artists. What we started today is just the beginning, and we hope to make this an annual event. We are grateful to all the donors who contributed to making it a success,” she said.
Although the venue was not filled to capacity, the atmosphere was vibrant, with music and laughter echoing through the streets surrounding the Bat Centre.
The festival highlighted the depth of talent among disabled performers, many of whom expressed gratitude for being given a platform where they felt valued and appreciated.
The audience was entertained by a stellar line-up that included Nkosi Cibane, accompanied by a talented umakhweyana singer, Pinky The First Lady, Thandi Gcwensa, Siphosethu Ndlovu, Lumka Fabulous and Thuthuka Zuma, among others.
One of the standout performances came from up and coming Afropop star Siibu Shangase, who electrified the crowd alongside her band as audience members sang along to her popular songs.
The event also featured media personalities and community leaders, including Inanda FM boss Mapule “Indlovukazi” Mkhize of Stone Face, who was among the organisers.
Email: Linda@onenews.co.za
