Is Focused Education in the Arts Possible? A Look into
Join us on this enlightening journey, where art transcends borders, ignites imaginations, and weaves together the threads of past, present, and future.
For 2024, RBI Arts Festival theme is “Art of Everyday Life.” This theme celebrates how art can make daily experiences special and meaningful. It includes creative retellings of history and mythology. For example, a simple dance in a circle can represent the idea of renewal in African cultures, reflecting their understanding of a 28-day cycle, similar to medical and astronomical facts.
Artists used everyday materials like waste to create sculptures and tapestries. Today, art of everyday life has developed as a formal discipline that is explored in many art forms like movies, theatre, books, and poetry. This kind of art challenges the usual ways we think about the world, which often rely on simple opposites (like North/South or High/Low). This is why Africa-Initiated Christian Churches such as the Apostolic churches are so popular.
Throughout both days, enjoy a variety of artistic showcases including:
• Fine Arts Exhibition
• Live Theatre
• Dance Performances
• Musical Acts
Amidst the golden hues of the African sun and the vast horizon that bears witness to the continent's rich history, Royal Bafokeng Institute announces its grand endeavor: The 2024 Arts Festival. This monumental celebration of art, culture, and talent promises to be an unprecedented extravaganza that embodies the very essence of Africa’s vibrant artistic spirit.
Live theatre performance
Film screening
Art exhibition
Gala dinner
Art Auction
Step into the vibrant world of African art with the RBI Arts Festival 2023 catalogue! Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of culture, talent, and creativity as we unveil a breathtaking collection that captures the essence of Africa’s artistic spirit. Against the backdrop of the African sun and the boundless horizon, experience the beauty and diversity of our continent’s heritage.
The core philosophy of the Royal Bafokeng Institute has always been to identify, nurture, and celebrate innate talent. This festival is no different. Our focus is on the untapped potential of young artists, the dreamers who paint stories with their imagination, the poets who weave emotions with words, and the dancers who tell tales with their every move.
RBI mentors guide emerging artists with experience, knowledge, and unparalleled opportunities.
A celebration of raw talent, passion, and the indomitable spirit of creativity.
A deep dive into the day-to-day schedule, revealing a fusion of performances and interactive sessions across all our artistic categories.
The festival will cater to a vast array of art forms:
Born from the vision of the Royal Bafokeng Institute, our festival is an embodiment of our commitment to young people and the arts.
This year's festival is a culmination of dreams, aspirations, and the unwavering passion of young artists.
Through their guidance, the next generation of artists gains the confidence, knowledge, and opportunities to shine brightly in their respective fields.
Theatre
Stanley Letebele is a graduate of Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation, having performed in more than 12 stage productions and passed through the hands of many respected directors among them: Selaelo Maredi, Ian von Memerty, Walter Chakela, Danny Jasson and the late Pogiso Mogwera. Letebele is a well-rounded performer, a former drama tutor at Bafokeng Youth Centre, artistic director of Legae Arts Institution and was part of Motsweding FM’s Radio show ‘Takalani Sesame’ as ‘Moshe’. Stanley has won awards for acting, story-telling, poetry and public speaking. He directed Bojanala Schools Setworks and produced two films, namely, Neighbouring and ‘Ntate Modiri’s Nightmare’. He also wrote and directed plays such as ‘Bana Ke Bokamoso’, ‘Beyond Childlessness’ and “Malalapipe” among others and they all performed at Grahamstown National Arts Festival.
Dance
Onkarabetse Motsepe was born and raised in Phokeng and started his dancing career in 2018 after receiving professional training from Happy Feet Ballet and the South African Body Of Dance. He specialises in Classical Ballet, HipHop, Amapiano and Afro Dance.
Theatre
Veronica Mogoebi is a multi-talented individual, balancing the roles of a devoted mother of two and a supportive partner to Tsholofelo Ernest Mogoebi, an accomplished actor. She wears many hats, serving as a teacher, and art educator. Despite her busy schedule, Veronica is pursuing her education at Unisa, striving for personal and professional growth. Known as a Ground Breaker, she fearlessly ventures into new territories, leaving her mark wherever she goes. As a facilitator, Veronica empowers others to reach their full potential, and in her role as a receptionist, she greets visitors each day with warmth and efficiency. Beyond her professional endeavours, Veronica is also a talented poet, weaving words together to inspire and uplift those around her. Her journey is a testament to her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
Music
Dineo Katane otherwise popularly known as Dee Afriq is from the village called Phokeng, She pursued her music career joining after Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation in Mahikeng where she developed her skills as a performing artist. She released an album called Mosadi wa Mo-Afrika which is available for download from digital platforms. She has travelled to as far as Jordan in Asia, attended the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and shared stages with artists such as Zonke, Ringo, Zahara, Somizi and Jordanian Artists. And participated in local events as an artist or MC.
Fine Arts
Paul Mbuqa is a self-taught artist with a passion for creativity and dedication. He obtained skills in charcoal drawing, acrylic and watercolour painting, and mosaic art through workshops offered by Bokgone Arts and Culture. He exhibited his work for the first time at the RBI Arts Festival in 2023. He aims to inspire and guide young artists, nurturing creativity, self-expression and a love for visual arts.
Poetry
Behind the grandeur and success of the Royal Bafokeng Institute's Arts Festival stand our esteemed sponsors. These visionary entities, much more than financial backers, are the silent champions of art, culture, and budding talent. They share our belief in the transformative power of art and the importance of nurturing the next generation of artists.
The All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Africa) objective is to offer excellent opportunities for all the African independent filmmakers to find audiences for their films, to connect with peers, distributors and talent scouts – and importantly to provide them unforgettable film festival experience. As the sister film festival of ÉCU—the European Independent Film Festival, which has been held in Paris for 19 years, the AAIFF Africa has the ability to harness the rock-solid reputation of the ÉCU Film Festival Group as being one of the World’s foremost independent film festivals groups and to help bring global attention to Africa’s independent filmmakers.
Join the Royal Bafokeng Institute on a mesmerising journey of art, passion, and inspiration at the 2024 Arts Festival Prelude.
Join the Royal Bafokeng Institute in this mesmerizing journey of art, passion, and inspiration at the RBI Arts Festival.
Is Focused Education in the Arts Possible? A Look into
The RBI Arts Festival invites you to join us in
We are excited to welcome Fraser Alexander as a valued
Young artists will be given the opportunity to attend workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions with established names in the industry.