Sho Madjozi, Ndlovu Youth Choir, YoungstaCPT to perform at Cape Town's festive lights switch-on

This year, the city is celebrating 50 years of switching on the lights – which officially marks the start of the festive season in Cape Town. The performance lineup includes Sho Madjozi, Ndlovu Youth Choir, YoungstaCPT and more.

Let there be (festive) lights

“The switching on of the festive lights is something all of Cape Town looks forward to as it signals the start of the festive season. This year’s theme focuses on diversity, which is what Cape Town reflects and different communities across the city are expected to be part of this celebration of togetherness and sharing. We look forward to a wonderful evening of music and to welcoming the spirit of the season,” said Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato.

Easily the biggest event of its kind in Cape Town, and certainly one of the most enjoyable, the Festive Lights Switch-On appeals to locals and visitors to the city alike. The entertainment spans all genres and age groups, making this event the ideal place for the entire family to spend quality time together, meet new friends, and sing and dance along to some of the best live entertainment South Africa has to offer.

Aside from the acts on stage, the stars of the show also include the moments when the festive lights are switched on and the fantastic, now legendary, video mapping display that leaves the crowds watching in wonder, as Cape Town opens its window to the world.

The 2019 artist lineup includes live performances by: 

• Sho Madjozi
• Ndlovu Youth Choir
• YoungstaCPT
• Early B
• Andries Vermeulen
• Theo Watt
• The Unknown Dance Crew
• Chad Chitter aka DJ Skouers

Also performing on the day will be the winner of the Festive Lights Switch-On 2019 Music Challenge. Upcoming musicians can enter for a chance to perform, by submitting a video online before midnight on Sunday, 24 November 2019. Enter now: flsomusicchallenge2019.co.za

This year’s theme, Cape Town: Window to the World, reflects the diversity that thrives in the Cape. The Festive Lights Switch-On occasion provides citizens with the unique opportunity to come together in unity and show the world just why this city is the number one leading events destination in Africa, and around the globe.

Competitions geared to exemplifying the theme will also be activated on the day with loads of cool prizes up for grabs. Follow the hashtag #FLSO2019 on social media to win some fantastic prizes.

The theme also resonates in another challenge the city has launched this year – the Festive Lights Switch-On 2019 Waste to Art Challenge, which asks students 16 years and under to create art pieces (pictures, clothing, furniture, sculptures) from waste materials, to be showcased in a specially created gallery.

Young artists can enter by submitting an image of their artworks online before midnight on Thursday, 21 November 2019. Enter now: flsoartchallenge2019.co.za

The Festive Lights Switch-On 2019 is free for all. No ticket required. 

Cover image © Rosetta Msimango