WATCH | Hilton Arts Festival: King Misuzulu’s call for artists to bridge divides

In a speech delivered at the Hilton Arts Festival yesterday, the King said musicians, painters and other creatives had an important role to play in bringing communities together. “Our diversity must become a bridge between our communities rather than a wall separating them. The arts have an extraordinary ability to build those bridges,” he said.

You do not have to come from the same community as an artist to appreciate their painting.” Now in its 34th year, the festival at Hilton College brings together theatre, music, comedy, visual art, design, craft, film, gaming and family entertainment. With major partners including First National Bank,The Witnessand Pietermaritzburg-based manufacturer Belgotex, the festival has transformed the college into a hive of activity, drawing pupils, exhibitors and members of the public. Friday’s programme was dedicated to pupils, including pupils from other schools.

King Misuzulu’s speech was delivered by Princess Mpume Zulu of the Nsindeni Royal House after the monarch was unable to attend because of an emergency. The King said artists had long served as custodians of history. “Across Southern Africa, our ancestors left paintings upon the walls of caves and rock shelters.

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Through those images, generations that came centuries later could understand something about the people who lived before them,” he said. He also reflected on the role of music during the struggle against apartheid.

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