By Nangamso Mabindla
22 November 2004

EAST LONDON is bracing itself for the Mother of all Gigs, with two of South Africa's hottest talents, Browndash and Ntando, sweeping into town to strut their stuff at the Absa Stadium on December 4.

Organisers say the show will be the biggest the province has ever seen. "We're expecting people from around the Eastern Cape to pack the Absa Stadium to see these music superstars in action," says Sikumbule Mqombothi, from the Siyanithanda Aids Company, a non-profit organisation which put the sizzling party together.

Proceeds from the concert will go towards various welfare projects, including an Aids orphanage and wellness centres such as the Ikwezi Lokusa Wellness Centre in Southernwood.

Kwaito superstar Browndash, African soul rising star Ntando, new house music sensation DJ Bakstena and Yfm's DJ Tokzin will all be performing in East London for the first time. "I think these are stars of the future," says Mqombothi. "We also wanted a mixture of kwaito and house and soul for our audience."

Singing sensation, Ntando, says Mqombothi is loved by a variety of people -adults and youngsters alike.

Browndash, on the other hand, will cater for kwaito enthusiasts, with the DJs entertaining the house music mad public.

According to Mqombothi, the show will also give talented Eastern Cape artists the chance to showcase their talents on the big stage.

Rising starts like East London's DJ Puntani, DJ Alex and Amalinda-based hip hop group Khankata will be given a platform to entertain the 10 000-strong crowd expected at the stadium.

If the show is successful, organisers are looking to make it an annual event held around the province. Mqombothi adds: "If the show is successful, it will open doors for us to participate in other important events like Youth Day and World Aids Day."

Tickets will be R35, but are currently sold at a discounted R25 until Friday, November 26. From 1 December tickets will be R50. "I appeal to Eastern Capers to come in their numbers and support the show. We need to put the province on the map," Mqombothi says.

For more information contact Mqombothi on 073 3960 709.