13 February 2014, those touched by the lives of Mandela will gather for a celebratory memorial event at St. Paul The Apostle Roman Catholic Church in New York City. The tribute will include performances and appearances by world-renowned actor Morgan Freeman, the honorable Bill Clinton and the Grammy-winning Soweto Choir. These entertainment and political powerhouses are gathering to commemorate the life and legacy of Madiba as well as the 20th anniversary of democratic freedom in South Africa – an achievement in which he played an invaluable role.

Throughout the evening, Morgan Freeman will perform dramatic readings from the original transcripts of Mr. Mandela's letters, speeches, and personal writings. These readings will be followed by the Soweto Gospel Choir, who will fill the cathedral with songs that honor Mandela’s life and vision. Concluding the event, Bill Clinton will candidly discuss his admiration of Mandela, his work with the Mandela Foundation, and his visions for the future – a future inspired by Madiba himself. 

For ticket information and more on the event, CLICK HERE. 

The first Thursday of every month in Cape Town has gone not for the birds, but for the artists.

Simply deemed ‘First Thursdays’, the art-walk encourages Capetonians and passers-through alike to savor the crisp evening air of the Mother City while exploring and appreciating its ever-growing art scene. Consisting of anywhere from 15 to 20 permanent galleries and pop-up venues, the walk welcomes visitors to meander from venue to venue eating, drinking, shopping and enjoying the city’s creative culture.

During First Thursdays, participating galleries are open until 9pm as opposed to the usual 5pm and the contributing galleries and exhibitions rotate in order to keep the event fresh month after month. Many of the most relevant and current African artists have displayed their works during First Thursday including Dillon Marsh, Matthew Hindley and Sanell Aggenbach. Old and new, modern and classic, South African and international – there is something for everyone at First Thursday.

But do not think you have to be a studied art aficionado to attend, the buzz and energy of the crowd is alone enough to spark excitement in anyone. It is hoped that soon the art-walk will spill between the galleries’ walls and onto the streets, exuding a more festival-esque atmosphere with shops open after hours, gourmet food trucks and music in the streets.

Began in 2012, with a consort of only eight participating galleries, the event was the brainchild of Stellenbosch University graduate and culture-enthusiast Gareth Pearson. Beyond a love of art, Pearson wanted to attract the people of Cape Town onto the streets after dusk, something atypical in the city. His challenge was met with gusto by the people of Cape Town who eagerly flock to the art walk’s main strip, the creative hotbed that lies between Wale and Strand streets.

More than just a walk, Pearson is a firm believer that interacting on the streets and in a public space can lead to rich experiences and shared little moments that reveal all the things that we, as people, have in common.

So if you find yourself in Cape Town on a First Thursday, do not miss this chance to mingle with the locals and perhaps add a piece of South African art to your collection.

CLICK HERE for more information about First Thursday

CLICK HERE for more of ROAR AFRICA’s insider knowledge of Cape Town