4 September 2023
Performing group Tekwana put on a stellar show during this year’s Brixton Light Festival in the streets of Johannesburg’s suburb, which were closed off to traffic on Saturday evening. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee
After a trying week for the residents of Johannesburg in which at least 77 people died in a devastating fire at an inner-city building, the Brixton Light Festival brought some much needed relief to the city on Saturday.
The annual community-led festival is organised by residents of Brixton and was free to the public. The festival features live performances of theatre and music, with art and lights displayed in different public spaces in the suburb.
A crowd of people gathered to watch a parade of different installations and art through the streets of Brixton.
Joburgers from all walks of life enjoyed themselves in the streets which were closed off to traffic and turned into an open theatre in celebration of Brixton’s creative spirit.
The Isegazini Theatre Group performed a powerful show which dealt with environmental issues and climate change, while Exotically Divine Pulse entertained the crowd by performing in brightly-coloured costumes and props made entirely of recycled waste materials.
A member of the Isegazini Theatre Group performing a show about climate change and the environment.
Children occupied the Kingston Frost Park’s swings and jungle gyms which were lit up in colours while the National Youth Orchestra blew the crowd away with their brass instruments.
Artistic duo, Exotically Divine Pulse, performed in outfits made from recycled materials.
In the evening a street parade got underway through Brixton’s streets, with various art installations to be seen along the route while a choir from the Hillbrow-based Windybrow choir serenaded festival goers.
Members of the Hillbrow-based Windybrow Arts Centre Choir performing at the festival.
Joy, creativity, and the power of community activism was on full display, a welcome change from the trauma experienced in the city a few days earlier.
Members of the National Youth Orchestra getting ready to perform.