A rainy Diwali night showcasing KZN at its best

A magnificent line-up of artists, hailing from all over KZN and even as far as the DRC, more than made up for the wet hair and clothes  - leaving the residents entertained and with hearts full of joy by the end of the evening. 

While the evening might have been a celebration of Diwali, it was a universal celebration inclusive of all religions and races, promoting unity after the struggles of the Covid-19 pandemic and last year’s unrest in the province.

Whilst all performing artists and speakers did not disappoint, I must admit I did have a few personal favourites who, in my opinion, were sheer brilliance.

Indian Touch, a live band with Sydney Govender on vocals, Sagie Kisten on lead guitar and Sharmlin Kisten on sax, left me mesmerised with their genre of modern Indian music and English instrumentals.

If you closed your eyes for a few seconds and listened to their melodies, you'd swear they were legendary, award-winning musicians from around the world. And yet, they are proudly South African talent homegrown in KZN.

The electrifying Maskandi Band produced by Just In Time Productions, led by the award-winning musical director and author Zeph Nzama, had a combination of KZN Artists and musicians from Congo on stage.

Their energy was unmatched!

All songs and music were a compilation from their original albums, with high energy and vibration of unity that filled out the entire Siphosethu Grounds and beyond whilst rocking the night away.

Rohan Ramkisoon Entertainment Spectacular dance academy also had the audiences tapping into their Bollywood moves.

Ramkisoon has a Michael Jackson vibe on stage – leaving you with the urge to scream "I love you Rohan".

His dance academy, which is run by him and his gorgeous wife, wowed the crowd all through the event with talent and fitting costume designs for a colourful celebration of lights.

They lit up the stage with every performance. Dingalings had us in rip-roaring laughter with comedy skits.

Entertainment and the programme of the day managed to showcase diverse cultures, religions, races and sex from far and wide.

Narisha Amichand the compere and brand ambassador for the organising committee was a perfect fit for the role. In her, I saw a future leader. She has the ability to work under pressure with a smile, ensuring all her duties were carried out effortlessly.

I was pleased to see some history of South African struggle hero and icon Fathima Seedat celebrated. Her family were also present at the Diwali celebrations.

Fireworks King, the biggest sponsor at the event had a fireworks display, that lit up the sky - showing the true essence of light triumphing over darkness.

The event ended with a bhangra fusion by Dj Smurfie. Kudos to the North Coast Diwali Committee for organizing a Diwali celebration in the spirit of Ubuntu, feeding more than 2800 people, and giving away prizes value over R60 000.

Some of these were cash prizes, a few gas stoves with cylinders and even a trip to the Drakensberg for an entire family valued at R12 500.

The gas stoves and cash prizes for me were a remarkable choice as prizes, especially in our difficult times.

Did I mention that this event was absolutely free to the public?! They even threw in free kiddies rides and popcorn. WOW!

The North Coast Diwali Committee, Shri Mariamen Temple, Mt Edgecombe Arts and Cultural Centre may have lacked funding and sponsors, but their magnanimous spirit in giving freely to all those who attended will go down as the best Diwali Celebration by far.

African Essence Television crew and other media houses were there to capture the event too. I hope you catch this epic Diwali Celebrations on African Essence in the coming weeks. Bounce Cornubia Mascot and staff gave away free entry tickets to countless happy children.

I left feeling nostalgic.

East Coast Motor Cycle Club rode in to pledge 50 grocery hampers on their National Diwali Run to take place on 5 November.

The evening gave me hope for our rebuild in KZN.

The organisers gave us all hope for a Rainbow Nation in South Africa despite our current shortfalls. An epic Diwali for the entire family.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this will be my annual pilgrimage for Diwali.

I was overwhelmed at what ordinary citizens were doing in the most extreme ways with the little they received. We could all take a page from their books.

In a single night, Diwali has contributed so much towards nation-building during these troubled times. 

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