The Eastern Cape is gearing up for the 11th edition of the country’s most prominent traditional horseracing event, the annual Berlin November Traditional Horse Racing Experience.
Set for November 30 and December 1, 2024 at the now iconic Ntabozuko Race Track, in Ntabozuko, a few kilometres from East London.
This year's theme Purple Reign draws inspiration from the majestic history and symbolic power of the colour purple, promising a celebration of grandeur and opulence.
Berlin November is known as the non-official announcer that the festive season is open in the Eastern Cape.
The horse event attracts the country’s top-list celebrities, beauty queens, sporting icons, award-winning musicians and entertainers all rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of the political world and Eastern Cape captains of the industry.
Two-time world rugby champions Lukanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, have been confirmed to be attending.
“As always, we have curated an event with a rich tapestry of VIP lounges, contemporary design couture, solid entertainment, and gourmet food.
“We are offering a best-in-class experience which is unrivalled in the Eastern Cape and want to invite the private sector to use the facility on the day for their year-end and team-building functions,” explains event founder, Luthando Bara.
Berlin November has partnered with Heineken to curate entertainment that is intentionally 90% local.
The line-up features “Two Bob-Muntuza” extraordinaire, Tshedi from Malaika who will be taking our seniors on a trip back memory lane, she is headlining the stage alongside house vocalist, Lady Zamar who will be sharing music from her latest album, “Queen of Dance”, to music lovers at the Heineken Music Festival.
Also on our line-up are multiple award-winning Betusile Mcinga, Ikhona, Ziyanda Tshangana, BlaMaqor who will serenade the house music community with his electronic music, DJ Masterdee and Mthatha-born entertainer and trendsetter, Dj Mist SA.
“For these artists to win awards and be celebrated by the nation, we first need to own them,” said event CEO, Luxolo Ndlazi-Afrika.
Berlin November will have over 60 artists performing at various stages from the private marquees.
Umhlobo Wenene FM's Mafa Bavuma and Reggie Solani and the Tik-Tok sensationalist of Mpondo content fame, Mntwan’omgquba will be hosting the dance floor.
The anchor of the Berlin November is the traditional horse racing handicap with a total prize money of more than R500 000, featuring different races.
Organisers have added a Celebrity Race where the likes of award-winning musician Betusile Mcinga, Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Maf and crown gospel awards nominee Lindo Mtangayi are amongst eight celebrities that will lead a team comprising a registered horse, a jockey and horse owner.
The 11th Annual Berlin November Horse Race All races are free for the public to watch and general tickets for the Heineken Music festival are still on sale at TicketPro and Computicket outlets for R220 and the ticket gives a free ride via train or bus at the allocated locations.
IOL