Reggae stars Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica, returned from South Africa Monday [October 3], after representing Jamaica at the Johannesburg “Arts Alive” International Festival from September 21 to 26.

Their visit was organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, in collaboration with the Jamaican High Commission in South Africa, as part of the Government of Jamaica’s efforts to promote local culture in South Africa, and create new platforms for Jamaican artistes, as well as strengthen cultural relations between both countries.

“Arts Alive” is an annual festival of music, drama, theatre and poetry, featuring over 600 artistes, turning the suburb of Newtown into a cultural village.

The festival features well known artistes and young South African talent, and is designed to take the arts to the people. Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica were chosen to represent Jamaica at the festival by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

They performed on the Reggae Night Show in Johannesburg on September 22 and at the Eldos Jazz Festival in Soweto on September 25. Their performances were made possible through the support of the City of Johannesburg and the African Storm Sound System.

They also travelled to Botswana for a concert on September 30.