The annual African Music and Dance Showcase hosted by the African Music Project at the University of Natal will take place once again on August 31 and September 1.

The theme for this year is A Celebration of African Women. Featured on the programme are women groups from Ghana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Well-known Zimbabwean artist Chiwoniso Maraire will perform on the mbira; Women of Hewale Sounds from Ghana will present a repertoire on Atenteben flutes, Dagomba gourd calabash, and songs and dances of the Ashanti, Ga and Ewe of Ghana.

The two South African grassroots women's groups from Lusikisiki and Meadowlands will perform traditional songs and dances of Pondo and Venda women in vibrant attire. The African Music and Dance Showcase will be rounded off by the African Music Project female ensemble Amaqhikiza who present a repertoire of Zulu women's music.

This will mark the fifth anniversary of the African Music and Dance Showcase and African Cuisine. The concert on September 1 will be followed by a banquet of African cuisine from eight African countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe)

Shows commence at 19h30 and take place in Howard College Theatre on the University of Natal’s Durban Campus. Tickets R25 (students R10, children R5). Tickets to the African Cuisine event are R15. To book phone (031) 260-1045, fax (031) 260-1048 or e-mail: opondop@nu.ac.za