World-Renowned Artists Unite to Promote Peace Through Music at Inaugural Festival
District 1220 is absolutely delighted to be supporting the inaugural Soweto International Music & Peace Festival which will make its global debut in Nottingham on December 13, 2024. It brings together acclaimed musicians from across continents in a groundbreaking celebration of peace through artistic expression.
In a world desperate for peace, this festival will provide a light in the darkness.
The festival, presented by Benjamin Didiza, Director of SA Khadinang in Johannesburg, South Africa, brings together multiple Rotary organisations in a unique collaboration. With inspiration from Southern Connecticut USA Rotary International District 7980 and its powerful “Opus for Peace” initiative, full support from Rotary International District 1220 in Great Britain and Ireland, and a global partnership with the Rotary Action Group for Peace, this festival features an extraordinary lineup of international performers who have dedicated their careers to promoting unity through music.
Headlining the festival is Jimmy Dludlu, one of South Africa’s most innovative jazz musicians, whose fusion of traditional African rhythms with contemporary jazz has earned him international acclaim. Joining him is the legendary South African vocal icon Siphokazi, whose powerful performances have inspired audiences worldwide and whose message of reconciliation has resonated across generations.
The lineup also features Zama Jobe, the mesmerising South African vocalist known for her ability to transcend cultural boundaries through her unique vocal interpretations. Adding another dimension to this remarkable ensemble is renowned rock and classical violinist Daisy Jopling, whose genre-defying performances have graced prestigious stages around the globe, bringing classical music to new and diverse audiences.
“The Soweto International Music & Peace Festival emerged from a vision to create a universal language of peace through music,” says Benjamin Didiza, Festival Director and Creator. “By bringing together diverse artists from different cultural backgrounds, we’re not just creating concerts – we’re building bridges between communities and fostering dialogue through the transformative power of musical expression.”
The Nottingham launch marks the beginning of an ambitious world tour, with scheduled performances across Canada, Brazil, Japan, and the United States, creating a global movement for peace through artistic collaboration.
Philip Wilbourn, District Governor of Rotary International District 1220, emphasises the festival’s significance: “This event represents more than just a series of performances – it’s a testament to our community’s commitment to fostering peace and understanding. The Soweto Festival will create lasting reverberations of harmony in our region, demonstrating how the arts can unite people across cultural boundaries and inspire positive change.”
Each artist will bring their unique perspective on peace and unity to the stage. Dludlu’s jazz compositions tell stories of resilience and hope, while Siphokazi’s powerful vocals carry messages of unity that transcend language barriers. Zama Jobe’s performances blend traditional and contemporary styles, creating a musical bridge between cultures, while Jopling’s violin work demonstrates how classical music can speak to modern audiences about timeless themes of peace and understanding.
The festival promises audiences an immersive journey of healing and reconciliation, where the universal language of music transcends cultural barriers to promote empathy and understanding. Each performance is carefully curated to showcase how artistic expression can serve as a catalyst for peace-building and social transformation.
About Rotary International District 1220
Rotary International District 1220 encompasses 63 clubs across parts of South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire. The district encourages individual growth, leadership development, and engagement in initiatives for environmental, peace and community development.
About Rotary District 7980 – Southern Connecticut
Rotary District 7980 serves Southern Connecticut with 58 clubs committed to service above self. The district has consistently demonstrated leadership in peace initiatives and international collaboration, fostering connections between communities across the globe.
About Opus for Peace
Opus for Peace, initiated by Rotary District 7980, is an innovative program that leverages the power of arts and music to promote peace and understanding. The programme’s mission to create harmony, inspire wellness, and embrace diversity through the fusion of the arts, is a groundbreaking initiative which serves as a model for peace-building through cultural expression, inspiring Rotary clubs worldwide to explore creative approaches to conflict resolution and community harmony.
About The Rotary Action Group for Peace
The Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) is an action-driven group of Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses and Rotaractors working together to advance peace and prevent conflicts worldwide. RAGFP assists Rotarians in identifying and implementing peace and conflict resolution projects, fostering collaboration between clubs and districts globally.
About the Soweto International Music & Peace Festival
A pioneering initiative to promote peace through the power of music, this international festival brings together artists from diverse musical styles and cultural backgrounds. The festival supports Rotary International’s commitment to peace and conflict resolution through artistic expression and cultural exchange.
Tickets and additional information available HERE
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