The events, held at the Mbombela and Siyabuswa campuses, resonated with a medley of genres including cultural, classical, hip-hop, house, gospel, and contemporary music.
Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza, expressed gratitude for the presence of Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso and the University's management, honouring the event. He remarked, "This gathering is part of our 10-year celebration. It serves as a precursor to the grand celebration scheduled for next month."
Dr Maminza underscored the significance of UMP commemorating a Decade of Excellence and Creating Opportunities. He enthused, "Through music and dance, we celebrate this Decade of Excellence. As we build excitement towards our grand event on the third of November 2023, the stage is yours to showcase your talent and let us celebrate together."
UMP’s renowned choir, acclaimed for their soulful melodies, inaugurated the event with three enchanting songs. Alongside, various cultural musical and dance groups exhibited the rich tapestry of Mpumalanga University's diversity, including Zulu, Venda, Bapedi, and Xhosa groups.
Students showcased their talents.
From the Siyabuswa campus, Engabeni, Nofanezile, and Ntokozweni delivered compelling group performances. In Mbombela, Soulful Melodies and Indigenous groups (Zulu, Venda, and Bapedi) took the stage.
Adding to the grandeur, former UMP student Siyabonga Nkosi, now a renowned musician known as Atchaar, graced the Mbombela campus. The Hip Hop maestro electrified the audience with tracks from his latest album, providing an inspirational note for students to persevere in their studies and relish the rewards later.
Nkosi is no stranger to the music industry, commencing his musical journey in 2013. Despite facing setbacks, including a brief stint in IDOLS SA season 14, he remained undeterred, juggling his university studies with his musical aspirations.
Atchaar has since become a qualified graduate, establishing himself as an independent artist. His eight-track EP garnered considerable success, with numerous copies sold. He boasts a substantial following in the province, having secured numerous interviews in both local and national media.
Both campuses curated an eclectic lineup, featuring solo artists and captivating dance performances. Additionally, an open mic session provided a platform for students and staff to showcase their talents.
By Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures Thapelo Ngwenya.