Wits Theatre's 40th Anniversary Celebrated with Pitso Ya Kalaneng Festival Featuring Iphupho L’ka Biko

This weekend marks a special milestone for Wits Theatre as it celebrates its 40th anniversary with the much-anticipated Pitso Ya Kalaneng Festival, headlined by the vibrant performance of Africanist band Iphupho L’ka Biko on Saturday evening.

Wits Theatre's Cultural Extravaganza

As part of the festivities, Wits Theatre is transforming into a dynamic cultural enclave with the aim of celebrating the creativity and talents of students. Renowned for its role in nurturing the performing arts, the theatre's festival provides a comprehensive experience for students and attendees alike, according to Professor René Smith of the Wits School of Arts.

Organizer and Wits alumnus Lerato Sekele anticipates that audiences will enjoy creative works from various institutions, including the Wits School of Arts, and relish the opportunity to reconnect with alumni and special guests throughout the event.

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges

The Pitso Ya Kalaneng Festival emerges as a creative response to the hardships faced by theatres during the Covid-19 pandemic, reasserting Wits Theatre's significant role within the arts community.

The lineup of performers includes a range of celebrated artists along with Iphupho L’ka Biko, such as Mashabela Galane and Leon John, poised to deliver a spectacular array of performances.

Africanist Band on the Rise

Iphupho L’ka Biko expressed their thrill for the upcoming event on social media, conveying their belief in the performance's importance as they gear up to record their debut album later this year, after having established themselves as a catalyst for youth expression through music.

The band has roots dating back to 2015 during the Fees Must Fall movement and is known for their impactful messages delivered through soulful music. They have already touched many with songs from their EP, including the deeply resonant tracks Singabakho, Azania, and uThixo uKhona.

Event Details

The Pitso Ya Kalaneng Festival will be held at Wits Main Theatre on Saturday, 10 February, starting at 6pm. Tickets for this celebratory event are priced at R160 and are available online. For more information, interested parties can reach out via provided email contacts.

Wits, Festival, Music