The BAT Centre will host a three day festival from March 24 to 26 to highlight human rights issues and to celebrate Africa.

The festival line kicks off on March 24 with an exhibition opening.

On March 25, there will be drumming, poetry, maskandi and a fashion show. Designers include Sun Goddess, Levi Strauss and Cal-de-Sacci, along with a special appearance by South African diva Simphiwe Dana.

March 26 will feature a jazz concert featuring Simphiwe Dana. Tickets R50 from BAT Centre reception and the doors open at 19h00. More information from Cebo on 031 332 0451.

Dana’s debut album Zandisile was officially launched when she shared the stage with Afro-pop star Angelique Kidjo during her performance in the Johannesburg Music Hall in July 2004. At 24, Dana has been likened to the musical genius of Miriam Makeba and Dorothy Masuku but her sound is definitively her own. Her music includes traditional jazz sounds, choral music and African beats, all of which are showcased to good effect on her album. Simphiwe was born in rural Gcuwa in the Transkei in 1980, where she lived with her parents and three siblings. She was educated at Vela Private School in Umtata and has a diploma in graphic design from Port Elizabeth Technikon. Dana got her break into music when she moved to Johannesburg in 2002 and was discovered by music promoters singing the various small clubs. She has a daughter, Zazi, to whom the album is dedicated.

A fleamarket will be held in the courtyard from Friday to Sunday from 10h00 till late with stalls full of chic African designs and accessories. The evening entertainment begins at 18h00 – tickets R60 gains entry to all four events on the Friday. There will be after party in the BAT Hall.

For more info on the fashion show, please call Sipho 073 369 8204 or the BAT Centre on 031 332 0451.