Every year, a small town with scarcely over 80 000 residents puts on a spectacle that few others on this continent, perhaps even the world, have managed to replicate.

In true David-meets-Goliath style, the National Arts Festival attracts more than 200 000 visitors, to more than 2 000 performances on a programme of more than 600 events. 

2019 marks the 45th anniversary of the festival in the small city of Makhanda (formerly known as Grahamstown). In this episode, the African Storyteller team takes you on a road trip to and through the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. 

Think of this as your own backstage pass to the biggest arts festival on the continent. 

Special thanks to: 
The National Arts Festival committee, NAF media & PR team
Additional music and scenes taken from performances: Umthombo by Amandla Danca Teatro, KZN Youth Orchestra & Andrew Young, All Who Pass, Nduduzo Makhathini & Kitty Phetla, Makhanda Kwantu Choir, The Thunderbirds.

Music

• Eternal Life by Ziv Moran - Artlist.io
• Deep Blue by Dusty Marshall - Artlist.io
• Just Jump by Ian Post - Artlist.io