Start the summer festivities with the Spier Arts Summer Season, partnered by Hollard, at their smash hit African Music Festival from 7 - 10 December 2006.

This cutting-edge line-up showcases some of the top musicians that Africa has to offer. Music venues across the estate will allow audiences to create their own musical experience.

Topping the headlines of the weekend's offering is international music icon, Mali-born musician, Salif Keita, known as The Golden Voice of Africa. Keita blends together the traditional sounds from his Malian childhood with other West African influences and styles from Cuba, Spain and Portugal and has had an influence not only on world music but also on the works of rock and contemporary Western artists. He is a true genius.

Louis Mhlanga, another master of his time has played with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Sibongile Khumalo and Vusi Mahlasela.

Mafikizolo, a kwaito duo comprising Nhlanhla Sibongile Mafu and Theo Kgosinkwe, beefs up the programme with their marabi-style music. Mafikizolo have won prestigious awards such best Group and Best Afro Pop Album at the SAMA Awards.

"Auntie Dorothy" (Dorothy Masuka) is the name several generations of appreciative southern African fans call this warm and charismatic singer.

Thandiswa Mazwai is one of South Africa's flamboyant faces of African music. She burst onto South African music stages as the lead vocalist and song writer of Bongo Maffin. Zamajobe Sithole offers her soulful singing with her famous debut song "Ndawo Yami" (My Place). When this hit the South African music scene she was nominated for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Lisbon - the very award that Freshly Ground won this year.

Neo Muyanga, born in Soweto, performs on a nylon string guitar, acoustic piano and mesinko (traditional Ethiopian bowed instrument).

Local star Rus Nerwich, began his music career by convincing the University of Cape Town that his passion for music would drive him to success. In a short time he has became one of South Africa's most recognised up-and-coming musicians.

Joining the line-up - young talent Maveric offers fresh intelligent pop music in isiXhosa.

From one form of expressive and experimental music to the next, the line-up includes the Kolo Novo Movie Band which fuses familiar names in South African music.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Spier Field will host a specialty food market featuring such things as hand-made cheeses, marinated olives, freshly shucked oysters, fresh organic foods, and more. Various refreshments as well as award-winning Spier wines will also be available in the Wine Village Market.

This gourmet market will be brought to you by What if the World, who also curate the weekly Neighbour Goods Market in Woodstock. Fill your basket or taste your fill right then and there.

Line up:
Thursday 7 December 2006, 8:30 pm
Spier Amphitheatre: Songs of Hope - Freshly Ground & Vusi Mahlasela

Friday 8 December 2006, 8:30 pm
Spier Amphitheatre: Rus Nerwich & Thandiswa Mazwai

Saturday 9 December 2006, 2:00pm - 5:30pm
Spier Field: Neo, Zamajobe, Mafikizolo
8:30 pm
Spier Amphitheatre:  Zamajobe & Dorothy Masuka

Sunday 10 December 2006, 2:00pm - 5:30pm
Spier Field: Maveric, Kolo Novo Movie Band, Salif Keita
8:30 pm
Spier Amphitheatre: Louis Mhlanga

Molo Says: "Contact our Travel Team for Accommodation Specials at Spier Hotel, or discover the Cheetah Outreach project, Eagle Encounters (both great for Kids & Parents) and wine tastings at Spier Wine Estate close to Cape Town.

For further information on Spier African Music Festival contact the Festival booking office on 021 809 1111 or visit the website on www.spierarts.org.za